The #1 Job Description Mistake Employers Make

When it comes to your job description, bigger is not necessarily better.

Unfortunately, some of today’s employers don’t heed this warning. And with the proliferation of online – and either low- or no-cost – job posting sites, job descriptions have gotten longer and longer. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston, Texas, Murray Resources knows that rather than educating candidates about a position and company, these long-winded postings are actually turning them off.

So how can you get the best of both worlds – craft a job description that’s informative and engaging, without being overwhelming?

First, be mindful of the requirements you include. Obviously, the scope of requirements you need to list will depend on the nature of the job. For instance, a posting for a part-time administrative assistant is going to look different from a posting for a company comptroller.

That said, be aware that the people you want to attract are busy and don’t want to pour through 10 pages of information. So focus on the key points, including:

• A couple technical skill requirements
• A couple soft skill requirements
• A couple technical and soft skill “nice to haves” (but not required)
• Keywords that candidates will use in their search for jobs

And keep in mind, less is more. You’re simply trying to attract qualified candidates, not relate your company’s entire 50-year history to them.

Another element to keep in mind is that you should be educating candidates as to why they’d want to work for your company. The hiring process isn’t all about you, after all…it’s about finding the right match between you and a potential employee. And in order to do so, you need to highlight some of the perks, whether it’s flexible hours, a family friendly environment, generous benefits, or an on-site workout room.

At the end of the day, the job description is the first impression candidates will get about the position and your company. As a result, it’s important to attract and engage…not overwhelm.

Want Help With Your Job Descriptions?

If you’re ready to outsource the job description writing process, let us know. As one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston, Texas, Murray Resources can help you with every step of the hiring process, including crafting effective job descriptions that attract top talent. Contact Murray Resources today to learn more.