10 Steps to Create an Effective Job Description and Application Process

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When trying to recruit professionals who excel in their field, referred to as top talent, a compelling job description and application is key. Often, this is a company’s first point of contact and the employer’s opportunity to shape a potential candidate. Here are 10 steps to create a compelling job description and effective application process to attract top talent:

  1. Engaging Introduction: Start with a compelling introduction that highlights the company’s mission, culture, and the impact of the role within the organization. This sets the tone for the job description and captures the candidate’s attention from the start.
  2. Highlight Company Culture and Benefits: Showcase the company culture, values, and benefits to give candidates a sense of what it’s like to work for your organization. Highlight perks, such as flexible hours, professional development opportunities, or unique workplace initiatives.
  3. Define Outcomes: Clearly outline the objectives and outcomes of the role. What are the key results or goals the successful candidate should achieve? Authenticity in describing these outcomes helps set realistic expectations for candidates.
  4. Requirement Section: The requirements section should list the specific skills, qualifications, and experience necessary to achieve the outlined outcomes. Ensure that these requirements directly correlate with the job responsibilities and desired outcomes.
  5. Detailed Responsibilities: Provide a clear and detailed breakdown of the responsibilities associated with the role. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to make it easy for candidates to understand what will be expected of them.
  6. Qualifications: List the essential qualifications, skills, and experience required for the position. Be specific about educational background, certifications, technical skills, and any other relevant criteria. Remember, the required qualifications and skills should be based on desired outcomes of the role.
  7. Clear and Concise Titles: Use titles that accurately reflect the role and resonate with potential candidates. Avoid jargon or overly creative titles that may confuse or deter applicants.
  8. Provide Clear Application Instructions: Clearly outline the application process, including how candidates should apply, what materials they need to submit (e.g., resume, cover letter, portfolio), and any deadlines.
  9. Avoid Duplicate Work: A common frustration amongst job seekers is redundant steps in the application process. Ensure that your company’s internal platform or the 3rd party site (ex. LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.) doesn’t ask the candidate for duplicate information that is already viewable on their resume. This can be a deterrent for applicants to complete the application and can ultimately lead to a loss of high-quality candidates.
  10. Call to Action: End the job description with a clear call to action, encouraging qualified candidates to apply. Provide contact information or a link to the application portal to make it easy for interested individuals to take the next step.

By following these guidelines, you can create job descriptions that not only attract candidates but also accurately represent the role and the company, setting the stage for successful recruitment.

If you are interested in having a STRIVE consultant review your job description and application process to ensure its success, don’t hesitate to reach out at strive@striverecruitment.ca.