HELP WANTED: 5 Tips for Spicing Up your Job Descriptions

The most important part of a job posting is the job description. It can also be the most difficult to create. In my last Hiring Site entry regarding job postings, we discussed the basic elements of your help wanted invitation. But because what you say in your job description carries so much significance in relation to the kinds of candidates your posting will attract, it seemed appropriate to drill down that topic a little further.

In writing the job description and requirements, you essentially have two minutes to sell the job seeker on both the opportunity and your company—it’s your one chance to make a great impression and attract the right candidate. Last time, we explored job postings regarding a parachute deployment specialist. This go around, we’ll look at the key components of a job description as they relate to another budding career, one that’s actually somewhat recession-proof: a pepper spray technician. [Link Warning: Headphones or low volume recommended due to reactions and one utterance that, while humorous, could be slightly offensive to some].

With each of these five tips, we’ve added an example of the pepper spray technician posting to help you write the most effective job description and attract the best candidate possible. It is–by no means–the perfect job description, as every position and company should have a unique style, and many circumstances or details will need further elaboration, but this example will give you a good foundation.

Introduce yourself
For starters, open the job description by quickly identifying your company, the reputation it has for being a leader in your industry, and the impact it has made. Then transition into the basic functions of the position, introducing some of the character traits that are important to you and your company. Like any article, novel or TV show, the opening is where you must hook the audience—convince job seekers to keep reading.

 ”For 60 years, ACME, a company that makes everything, has bettered the lives of consumers of all ages through our wide array of products and dedication to innovation, imagination and integrity. We are currently seeking a qualified candidate with superior analytical skills, a strong worth ethic and the ability to provide excellent, detail-oriented communication while under extreme duress to serve as one of our adventurous Pepper Spray Technician II positions. In this capacity, the PST II will help troubleshoot and further develop our ACME-branded pepper spray products.”
 
 
Funnel
Following the introductions of your company and the position, dive into the guts of the opportunity, providing an overview of the position and then narrowing in on the details. These should include the job’s general duties and daily responsibilities. Provide as much information as possible to ensure that questions are limited and there are no surprises for candidates. Consider asking current employees in similar roles for their suggestions on the advertised role.
 
“The Pepper Spray Technician II will work with engineers, PST I’s and other members of the Lachrymatory Agent Analysis Team to:
• Provide analytics covering a wide spectrum regarding the unique effects of pepper spray discharges utilizing various chemical make-ups
• Be directly responsible for simulation of instances whereby pepper spray would be used in crowd control or self-defense
• Serve as the expulsion recipient of different ingredient variations
• Provide immediate feedback on detailed experiences each chemical combination provides
Other daily responsibilities will include providing administrative support to Lead Engineer.”
 
 
What Makes This Opportunity Great
There are many other opportunities and employers out there … what makes this one great? Let job seekers know what sets your company apart so they can make better-informed decisions. Some of these attributes have already been addressed in the example, such as being well-established, but here are some others to include: your company’s position in the industry, growth trends, a description of the work environment, casual or business dress, benefits, career development and advancement opportunities, and key corporate beliefs.
 
“In this career-oriented position, pepper spray technicians will help create groundbreaking discoveries in the field of chemical warfare and riot control, a rising concern for many West Coast higher education institution administrations, championship sports team communities, correctional facilities and WTO-host cities, helping to make these locales and the world a better place, as well as helping further cement ACME’s position as an industry leader.

You will also join a fun, business-casual atmosphere where excitement and adventure are part of the daily routine. ACME is committed to having a diverse, honest work place that believes its employees are its greatest asset and provides ample industry training, full health coverage (on-site), tuition reimbursement and a broad range of corporate ladders to climb within our many different corporate divisions.”
 

Qualifying
Detailed requirements enable job seekers to determine whether or not they are under- or over-qualified for your position, providing an initial screening process for applicants. Be honest about the absolute requirements versus the desired skills.

“Previous experience of one to two years handling oleoresin capsicum or other lachrymatory agents in laboratory or civil protection environments is desired. BA degree or higher in criminal justice or chemistry required. Interested individuals with allergies related to black pepper or any previous visual impairment should consult a physician before applying.”

Call to Action
End the job description with a directive of how the job seeker should apply. This can be an indicator for the type of applicant you are getting—did they follow the guidelines set forth? How creatively did they adhere to your directions? Also, consider the easiest way for managing the process. Our recommendation, obviously, is doing everything online to keep things streamlined and fax machines, printers and paper out of the equation. Also most online job seekers are more apt to apply via that method. Regardless, use what best fits your needs; just ensure it’s easy for applicants as well.

What results have you seen from your job descriptions? How have you managed to add some umph to them?

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• Posted by: CB Staff Writer on November 7, 2008
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• Categories: Job Postings, Products