You need to hire and are looking for great candidates to get in the door. But if your job description is generic or a bore, you’re not going to attract top talent.

In today’s world, especially with social media and employer branding, there’s a lot of noise. Your job description, therefore, needs to stand out. It must communicate to candidates more than just duties and requirements, but what your company is like to work for and why it’s special or unique. On top of that, it has to be clear and concise.

It sounds like a tall order, but it’s actually easier than you think. Just remember, you don’t need to include every detail about the position or the company, simply the highlights. Here are six best practices to follow when writing job descriptions:

1. Be authentic.

When writing a job description, aim to come off as a real person, not the legal or HR department. Remember, candidates are real people too, and you want to attract them with your opportunity, not send them running because your job description is full of stuffy, formal language that’s difficult to understand.

2. Avoid clichés.

Are you looking for a sales superstar? What about a detail-oriented diva? Or a tech ninja? Whatever you do, don’t say those things. Avoid the jargon, clichés, and hyperbole and stick instead to clear, simple explanations. If you’re not sure where to begin when you want to make your job duties sound better, try writing the way you’d talk to a candidate.

3. Focus on more than your company.

Oftentimes, employers only focus on their needs in job descriptions. But today’s smart candidate wants to know what you can do for them. After all, with low unemployment, they have their choice of many rewarding job opportunities.

So do you have a mentoring program? Fund continuing education? Or offer leadership training and development? These are the types of advantages that are important to mention and will set your job description apart.

4. Talk about a special perk.

Do you offer telecommuting options? Is there a gym on the first floor of your building? Do you have dry cleaning services for company employees? Whatever it is, mention it. People spend most of their waking hours at work and want to do it in place that’s a fit for them. So don’t only focus on making your job duties sound better; also cover the perks when it comes to writing job descriptions.

5. Tell a story.

Rather than following the usual job description format of job duties, skills required, and qualifications, instead tell a story about your company. For instance, if it has an interesting history or unique culture, talk about it. Stories not only stand out but stick with people.

6. Be clear about goals.

When you’re talking about what you’re looking for in a candidate, use clear and direct language so candidates understand what exactly you need and can better discern if they’re the right fit.

For instance, if you’re hiring for a sales position and expect a certain increase in sales numbers, then define those from the start. That way, everyone is on the same page in terms of expectations, and you’ll find better-fit candidates faster.

Don’t have time to master these job description best practices?

Turn to the company that can handle it all. Wat Murray Resources, we know the best job description format to use in 2020, how to position your opportunity and where to broadcast it all, so you get the talented people you need. It’s why we’re a top staffing agency in Houston TX. Contact us today.