Filling a job opening almost always starts with writing a job posting. Traditionally, job postings are a simplified version of the job description with a quick overview of desired experience and required education. They usually include boilerplate information about the company as well.

This format for job postings has been the standard for decades, but with today’s candidate-driven market, it is important to tailor postings for right candidates.

Remember, the job listing is essentially the organization’s resume submission to a candidate. Candidates will take time to include the best wording on their resume; the organization should take the same level of consideration with the posting.

Need help writing your next posting? Read on for 5 steps to create a job posting that candidates can’t resist.

Take a look at the types of candidates that have been attracted in the past, especially those who did not qualify. Every time you make a new job posting, tweak it a little to see if it makes a positive difference. Record and learn from these tests every time you do one. Doing this can reveal what should be added, or eliminated, from the job posting.

Take a look at competitors to gauge how your posting compares. What titles are they using? Using the same titles as your competition can help increase visibility of your job posting. What are they including in the body of the listings? They may include specifics that you have overlooked. What voice are they using? A competitor may seem more attractive if they are using a more approachable tone.

The majority of candidates will be reading the posting on a smartphone or tablet, so you should make it easy to scan. This can be accomplished with the use of bullet points and shorter sentences. Additionally, be sure to be as specific as possible while avoiding industry jargon and unclear terms. One of the biggest reasons job postings are ineffective is that they are too vague or generic.

The modern job-seeker typically seeks a company that is unique and exciting. When writing your posts, include attention-grabbing language with personality can help you connect with the right audience. Eliminate “boring” words and replace them with words that stand out. Include fun information that reveals company culture and makes your company unique.

Tell candidates exactly how to apply and make it easy to do so. Also, include company contact information in case the candidate has questions. Many organizations have been reluctant to include a phone number in ads because they don’t want to be flooded with inquiries. However, the presence of a telephone number lends legitimacy to the post.

Need hiring advice or recruiting assistance? We can help you connect with the perfect candidate for your position. Call us today at 801-278-1200 or contact us to chat about how we can help.