Kathryn RandolphA job post these days cannot just exist to attract top-notch talent; it has to compete. As more and more job candidates are performing the job search online, you need to ensure your small business or startup is taking the necessary steps to get noticed. After all, an ineffective job post can be the difference between stellar employees that make a big impact and less than desirable candidates that lead to a long search for the right new hire.
1. Identify the qualities that you want/need in a new hire.
This seems pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised by the amount of online job posts out there that are vague or too general. Sit down with the manager or team looking to attract a new hire and get their input on the experience and skills that are most desirable. Help them separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.
Include these must-haves in the job post, and make the description of job responsibilities as specific as possible. This way, you avoid attracting job candidates who are applying to every job they see. Instead, you’re getting resumes and interviews from candidates who have the potential to more than fill the hole in your company and ease the process of small business hiring.
2. Include keywords in your job post for better ranking results.
Most of the job search for candidates today occurs online. Of the millions of searches done for job opportunities each month, you obviously want your post to appear as close to the top of the search results as possible. But unless you craft your online job post to fit the formula for good rankings results, yours will appear at the bottom of the heap.
Finding the perfect job post will take a bit of testing. Start with your initial job post, and record the responses you receive. Change your keywords a bit, repost and record once again. For instance, Recruiter.com states that using “rep” instead of “representative” could mean the difference between 40 and 55 prospective job candidates. This testing method will help you develop a job post with keywords that will make it to the top of the search results and attract the talent you want.
3. Branch out and include your online post on other job boards.
While a job post will get its fair share of hits on your website, it will be seen by a much broader audience if you include the post on outside job boards. These can include job posting sites, social media platforms or sites like Spark Hire, which can serve as a medium between your company and job candidates throughout the entire job search process.
Getting the word out about an open opportunity at your company is easier than ever these days. But with the volume of postings from other companies, it can be difficult to get noticed. With an effective online job post, you’ll rise to the top of the job search results and eventually your industry.
What strategies do you implement to help your online job posts? Share your insights in our comments below!
Spark Hire
Josh Tolan
