In today's competitive job market, a well-written job description is more than just a formality – it's your chance to grab the attention of talent and convince them to apply. But with so many generic descriptions out there, how do you make yours stand out? Here's our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling job descriptions that will resonate with candidates, and in return get you those applications:

1. Know Your Audience:

• Tailor your language and tone to the specific role. For a marketing position, use an energetic and creative voice. For a financial analyst role, prioritise clarity and precision.
• Research relevant skills and experience. Identify keywords including job titles these individuals would have and qualifications that candidates in this field typically possess.

2. Sell the Opportunity, Not Just the Job:

• Go beyond outlining responsibilities – paint a picture of the ideal work environment. Highlight company culture, growth opportunities, and benefits (benefits being the biggest one, do you know that the majority of job adverts we researched did not mention benefits?)
• Focus on the impact the role has on the organisation. Explain how the candidate's contributions will make a real difference, who will they report into, will there be any specific projects/tasks you would like them to be involved in where they will make an impact.

3. Clarity:

• Use clear, concise language. Avoid jargon and overly technical terms that might confuse potential applicants. Avoid using internal terms that only you and your employees will understand(this happens a lot in public sector roles)
• Structure the description logically. Clearly define the role, list key responsibilities, and outline required qualifications.

4. Action Verbs Drive Interest:

• Replace passive voice with action verbs. Instead of "Responsibilities include," use verbs like "develop," "lead," or "analyse." This creates a more dynamic and engaging description.

5. Proofread and Refine:

• Eliminate typos and grammatical errors. A polished description reflects well on your company's professionalism.
• Get feedback from colleagues. A fresh perspective can help identify areas for improvement. Have you asked the person doing the role, how would they describe the position? Or get their feedback, this is always a great way to ensure a clear picture.

Anyone can craft compelling job descriptions that attract the right talent and showcase your company as a desirable employer. Remember, your job description is a valuable marketing tool – use it effectively to find the ideal candidate for your role.

To find out more on how to bring your job to life, then reach out to Valeco Recruitment on info@valeco.co.uk