Before you type out a nuts-and-bolts job posting written with a facts-only approach and a tone of grey, robotic professionalism, stop. The temptation to do this is strong, we know. After all, this post will represent your first contact with potential candidates, and you want to send the message that your enterprise is established, respectable, and impressive. You want to weed out candidates who are not similarly established and respectable. And you want to cast a wide net. A neutral tone that reveals no specific personality will appeal equally well to all talented candidates. Right?

Not exactly. When you create a job posting, you aren’t just looking for an applicant who can carry out the tasks of the position. You’re also looking for someone who’s willing and eager to enter into a long-term, enthusiastic, and mutually profitable relationship with your company. Think of your job posting as a dating profile. There’s no profit in trying to trick applicants or convince them to apply for a position they won’t find rewarding, and there’s no need to attract applicants who will lose interest as soon as the truth is revealed. On the other hand, there’s much to be gained by directly targeting your message to the kind of personality you want on your team.

Creating Perfect Job Descriptions

If you need someone with a sense of humor and a flexible, upbeat nature, don’t waste your time by posting a wooden, humorless ad and then suffering through a stack of wooden, humorless applications (or worse, interviews). By the same token, if you need someone who knows when to cut the clowning and get down to business, make sure your ad reflects the no-nonsense culture you encourage.

Include Appropriate Perks

Tone can make a world of difference. So can the details you include in your job description and your list of perks. If you want cultivated, artistic applicants, make sure you mention the famous museum on your block. If you want to appeal to family-oriented types, mention your on-site daycare center. If you want free thinkers and independent spirits, mention your flexible dress code. 

No matter what you’re looking for, consider your target audience before your publish your post. Effective recruiting requires a bit of marketing skill and an appreciation for the art of the sale. Your product has a distinct brand identity, and your workplace should too. Don’t miss an opportunity to appeal directly to your ideal employee. For assistance with your recruiting efforts, call RPC and consult with our team of experts.