How To Write Good Job Postings: 10 Steps and Other Basics Covered

Creating an effective job posting is essential in attracting the right candidates for your organization. The job market is competitive, and a well-crafted job ad can make a significant difference in standing out from the crowd.

In this guide, we will explore the nuances of writing job postings, and provide practical steps to ensure your job ads are inclusive and appealing. Whether you're wondering how to write job advertisement or seeking tips on how to write an appealing job posting, this article has got you covered.

What is a Good Job Posting?

A good job posting should be clear, concise, and appealing. It should provide potential candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the role and the company, while also being engaging and motivating. Avoiding corporate clichés and jargon is key to making your job ad stand out. Instead of using overused phrases like "think outside the box" or "team player," opt for more specific and meaningful language that genuinely reflects your company's values and the role's requirements. And of course, a good job posting doesn't have any unconsciously biased words in it. For example, a good job posting will create a good hiring experience even for ethnically marginalized people. 

How to Write Effective Job Postings?

To write a good job posting, start with a clear, engaging job title that accurately reflects the position. Provide a brief company introduction followed by a concise job description outlining key responsibilities. Mention qualifications that are in fact needed, and keep any nice-to-haves out of the text, as many people think they have to tick all the boxes before they will apply. Highlight the top benefits and unique aspects of the role to make it attractive, including team culture and work environment. Use clear, jargon-free language and structure the posting with subheadings and bullet points for easy readability.

By following these guidelines, you'll create an informative and appealing job posting that effectively attracts qualified candidates suited to both the role and your company culture.

Creating an effective job posting involves several important steps. Here are 10 steps on how to write effective job postings:

1. Create a clear and engaging job title: Use specific, traditional titles that accurately reflect the position, but add a compelling element to grab attention.
   
   
2. Start with a brief company introduction: Provide a concise overview of your organization and its culture to give candidates context.
   
   
3. Craft a concise job description: Clearly outline the 3-5 main responsibilities and expectations of the role. Do you have more than 5 responsibilities on your list? Prioritise them based on importance, and simply delete the rest. 
   Describe tasks in a detailed manner. If the role should work with content, make sure to specify, what kind, eg. visual or written? Where is it published, online or physically? Website or on social media channels? Who and how many will read or see it? Providing details will make it easier for candidates to get a clear image of how the day-to-day tasks matches what they look for in a job. 
   
   
4. List only required skills and qualifications: Many people won't apply for a job unless they meet all requirements. But you probably have requirements you are willing to compromise on if you find a good candidate, right? Remove all nice-to-haves and remove a huge obstacle for potential candidates to apply. 
   If you are looking for candidate with a certain number of years of experience, ask yourself what qualifications you expect such a candidate to have. Write that down in stead of years of experience. 
   
   
5. Highlight key benefits and opportunities: Showcase what makes your company and this position attractive, including top perks, growth potential, the team culture and atmosphere that showcases why your company is a good workplace.
   
   
6. Include practical details: Specify the job location, whether remote work is possible, and any other relevant logistical information.
   
   
7. Use clear, concise language: Job postings are easy to fill with clichés, metaphors, and industry jargon, but try not to. It is very likely that every single candidate will interpret you posting differently. Ask yourself what you mean by "teamplayer", "roll up your sleeves" or "bringing your A game". Give examples and use those in the text in stead of the clichés. 
   
   
8. Structure your posting effectively: Use subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make the information easily scannable.
   
   
9. End with a clear call to action: Provide straightforward instructions on how to apply for the position.
   
   
10. Differentiate from a job description: Remember that a job posting is meant to attract and engage candidates, not just list duties.

By following these guidelines, you'll create a job posting that is informative, engaging, and effective in attracting quality candidates who are well-suited for the role and your company culture.

How to Write an Inclusive Job Posting

Inclusivity in job postings is essential to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Using inclusive language and avoiding jargon can significantly impact the effectiveness of your job ad. Job posting jargon can create barriers and deter qualified candidates from applying. Instead, use straightforward and inclusive language that resonates with a broader audience. Tools like Develop Diverse can help identify and eliminate corporate clichés and unconscious biases from your job ads.

It's important to note that the use of jargon and exclusive language can have negative impacts on your recruitment efforts. Such language may discourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds from applying, limiting your talent pool and potentially hindering your organization's diversity and inclusion goals.

However, there's more to crafting an inclusive job posting or job ad. If you're interested then we urge you to tap onto knowledge around that. 

FAQs

How to write job description for software engineer?

When writing a job description for a software engineer, include key responsibilities such as coding, testing, and debugging software applications. Mention the technical skills required, such as proficiency in specific programming languages and tools. Also, highlight any experience with project management and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

How to write job description for accountant?

For an accountant job description, outline tasks like managing financial records, preparing reports, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Specify required qualifications such as a degree in accounting or finance, familiarity with accounting software, and strong analytical skills. Additionally, emphasize attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing an effective job posting requires attention to detail, clarity, and inclusivity. By understanding the differences between job postings, job adverts, and job descriptions, and following the steps outlined, you can create job ads that attract the right candidates. Avoiding clichés and using specific, meaningful language will make your postings more appealing and genuine. Remember, the goal is to provide potential candidates with a clear and engaging picture of the role and your company. Whether you're learning how to write effective job ads or figuring out how to write an appealing job posting, these tips will help you succeed in attracting top talent to your organization.