Date: February 17th, 2024

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

Sponsorship Acknowledgment: This edition is proudly presented by Sonar Talent, which is developing an AI-powered talent marketplace for tech business leaders.

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Did you know that a well-crafted job description can increase the quality of your applicant pool by up to 50%?

In today's competitive talent landscape, the job description is not just a list of duties; it's the first step in a dialogue with your future top performers.

Let's explore how you can master this art and science. Here are five steps to creating a job description that improves applicant quality:

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1. Start with a Dynamic Job Title

- Ensure the job title is accurate and appealing, resonating with the aspirations of your ideal candidates. Unless necessary, avoid using jargon and skip the "ninja" or "rockstar" references -- most job seekers are searching by keyword and will miss your role if you don't title it correctly.

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2. Craft a Compelling Company Overview

- Briefly introduce your company, highlighting your culture and mission. Make it clear why your organization stands out as a place to grow and thrive. Remember that top performers have many options and want to know that it's worth applying for your role. Get them excited up front!

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3. Clearly Define the Role's Responsibilities

- List key responsibilities using bullet points. Aim for clarity and conciseness, avoiding overwhelming candidates with excessive detail or jargon. You should clearly know 90-day and 1-year expectations, so share this with the prospective candidate.

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4. Specify Qualifications Precisely

- Distinguish between essential skills and desirable qualifications. This helps set realistic expectations and streamlines the application process. Studies have shown that women only apply when they meet 100% of a job's requirements, but men will apply with just 60%. So don't miss out on fantastic talent by asking for things you don't need!

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5. Emphasize Opportunities for Growth

- Highlight how the role offers personal and professional development, showcasing unique training or advancement opportunities. You'll get even more engagement if you share that this is a backfill for a recently promoted person.

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Are you eager to overhaul your recruitment strategy?

I partner with entrepreneurs as an advisor and mentor during their growth phase. I help them lay the correct foundation for building a world-class team, avoiding expensive mis-hires and churn while reducing time away from the core business.

If you are a founder or startup executive passionate about building great teams and have an appreciation for using data to make better decisions, I'd love to hear from you.

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Crafting compelling job descriptions is a strategic investment in your organization's future. By applying the guidelines we've shared, you're not just filling positions but attracting individuals who will propel your organization forward.

Until next time!

Chris Mannion

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