I’m a local job seeker. You’re a local business owner. You need help. I need work. There’s only one of me in town, but there are many brands like yours. What will it take for me to choose your company out of the lineup of businesses clamoring for skilled help?
The solution to this question lies in how you craft your job listing. If my initial impression of your company is positive and intriguing, I’ll be motivated to schedule an interview with you! Here are the four categories of information I evaluate before choosing where to apply for employment.
First, I want to clearly understand my duties.
What will my responsibilities include? This is the first question I ask while screening job opportunities. If the role isn’t a fit for my skill set, I’ll move on without bothering to ask follow-up questions. You can explain the responsibilities for your job listing in a paragraph or in a bullet-point list. If the role includes many responsibilities, a list will be most comprehensive.
Are there additional duties I will manage only occasionally? Separate these from the primary job roles.
Are there physical requirements for my role? Do I need a degree, a certificate, or a certain timeline of experience to land the position? Please answer these questions concisely and specifically, such as, “Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. continually.”
What machinery, tools, or software will I use for this role? If the role requires the use of specialized tools, be sure to express whether prior understanding of these is required. If prior knowledge is not required, how will I be taught to use the specialized tools? Please detail your training process for me, such as, “Must pass in-house forklift training within thirty days of hire and maintain certification status throughout employment.”
I want to clearly understand my compensation.
Job posts advertising, ‘Compensation up to $25.00/hour.’ do not win my trust. If ‘up to’ is included in your tagline, I’m out. I don’t want to waste time trying to understand the fine print.
I’d rather apply for a job that clearly states, ‘First shift compensation starting at $20.00/hour.’ That is a message I can understand and trust. Clear language fills me with hopeful curiosity. It makes me think, “If this company starts at $20.00/hour, I wonder what their top pay is and what it will take for me to reach it.” Name your compensation rates clearly, and you’ll win points towards trust.
I want to clearly understand what your company is about.
I’ve never heard of your company before, so I need a reason to believe in your brand. What is your company about? How are you improving people’s lives? Will it boost or harm my good name to become associated with you?
Also, I have values. So do you. Do our values match? Please don’t bore me. Tell me only about your core values—the two or three beliefs you base every company decision on.
I want to clearly understand how you take care of employees.
I could wait until the interview to find my answer to this question. However, your super-snazzy employee perk may be what inspires me to apply with you instead of your competition! If you tell me that your job position includes all-expenses-paid travel to networking conventions around the globe, count me in. I’m also looking for a sturdy dental insurance plan. If you’re offering this to your employees, please say so in your job description! From in-house training to company-provided uniforms, be sure to list core ways you take care of your own.
My final tips.
Value my time by writing clearly and concisely. Use simple language—no technical jargon.
Be honest. Don’t try to camouflage your compensation rates or the requirements of the role.
Engage my curiosity! Weave some information into your listing that makes me want to know more about your brand!
I believe you’ve got what it takes to land some mighty fine employees—now, go write that job posting!