Creating a job posting that attracts the right candidates to apply for the opening is a small part of a recruiter’s job. However, a well-drafted job posting can attract the right candidates and make a recruiter’s job much easier. While a poorly written job posting can have the opposite effect.

A job posting is essentially a compact and engaging version of the job description. Here are 8 vital points that top recruiters never forget to include in their job posting to receive an overwhelming response.

  1. The Right Job Title
    The first thing that a successful job posting needs is the right job title. You may be tempted to use catchy phrases in your job posting or job title, but it may not get you the applicants you want. Also, avoid using any jargon specific to your company. Instead, use traditional terms to frame a job title that applicants are actually searching for. Write a job title that accurately reflects the roles and responsibilities of the position.
  1. Keywords
    Top recruiters always emphasize on keywords – when asked about what a job posting should include. You should identify the common keywords that applicants are using to search for a job posting like yours. Using relevant keywords is sure to make your job posting rank high in a candidate’s search results.
  1. The “About Us” Section
    This is the part that gets a candidate interested in reading your job posting until the end. In a brief 3-4 line introduction, talk about your company culture and why it’s a great place to work. Mention any rewards your company may have won to show credence.
  1. Benefits
    When contemplating how to write your job posting, find out what benefits your company offers over and above the industry standard. Include a few lines about medical insurance, paid leaves in a year, or maternity benefits to give the candidate something to look forward to. It is also a good idea to mention intangible benefits such as work-life balance, opportunities to grow, etc.
  1. Salary Information
    This is a make or break detail for most candidates reading your job posting. Candidates are more likely to apply for a position that offers salary information in the job posting. Secondly, if a job seeker is dissatisfied with the salary you’re offering – then they can skip the posting without wasting their or your time. If you cannot write a specific amount include a salary range to give the applicants a realistic idea.
  1. Only the Required Skills / Qualifications
    What a job posting should include is a list of the real requirements for the job and not a long list of expectations. A lot of candidates scrutinize the requirement list in your job posting and if there is even one skill or qualification they lack, they hesitate to apply. So include only the real requirements needed for the job.
  1. Office Location
    Your office location is a deciding factor for your candidates because once you hire someone – they need to commute to your office every day. So, mention the complete address to help the applicant understand the exact location of your company office.
  1. An Amazing Job Summary
    A well-written job summary is an opportunity to lend a personality to your job posting. Use connecting words and catchy phrases in this section of your job posting. Talk about why the candidate should consider applying and how their career can benefit from this job.

There are a plethora of job posting examples wherein the recruiter has done a shoddy job and attracted all the wrong applicants for the position. Write a high-quality job posting and make sure to include these eight key elements, to make a difference. Use your experience to understand what works for your organization and make a job posting template that can be tweaked and re-used.

Author Bio:
Kelly Barcelos is a progressive digital marketing manager specializing in HR and is responsible for leading Jobsoid’s content and social media team. When Kelly is not building campaigns, she is busy creating content and preparing PR topics. She started with Jobsoid as a social media strategist and eventually took over the entire digital marketing team with her innovative approach and technical expertise.