Writing an effective job posting is crucial for attracting qualified candidates to apply for open positions. However, crafting a compelling job description can be challenging. This article will provide tips and examples for writing optimal job postings that get results.
What is a Job Posting?
A job posting, also known as a job advertisement or job description, outlines the responsibilities, requirements, qualifications, and benefits of an open position at a company. It aims to attract suitable candidates by communicating what the role entails and what the employer is looking for in an ideal hire.
The main components of a job posting typically include:
- Job title
- Location
- Overview/summary of the role
- Primary duties and responsibilities
- Required and preferred qualifications (skills, education, experience)
- Salary and benefits information
- Company description
- Instructions on how to apply
Crafting a thoughtful, detailed job description allows you to target viable candidates, screen out unqualified applicants, and give insight into your company culture and values.
Why Are Well-Written Job Postings Important?
Taking the time to develop an excellent job posting has many advantages:
- Attracts more suitable candidates – A compelling, informative job ad encourages qualified applicants to apply.
- Saves time and money on hiring – Targeting the right candidates from the start minimizes unnecessary interviews.
- Conveys what the company is looking for – Well-defined required and preferred skills help candidates self-select.
- Gives applicants insight into the role – Clearly outlined duties and expectations help set accurate expectations.
- Reflects company brand – Job posts convey your employer brand, culture, values, and vision.
- Complies with regulations – Job ads must contain required EEOC/anti-discrimination statements.
In short, thoughtful job postings attract top talent while deterring unqualified applicants from applying.
How to Write a Job Description
Follow these tips when drafting an engaging, effective job posting:
Include Relevant Keywords
Optimizing your job ad with relevant keywords helps make it easily discoverable by candidates searching online and through job boards. Include keywords like:
- Job title and role
- Industry terms
- Essential duties
- Key requirements and qualifications
- Technical and soft skills
- Software/tools used
- Certifications
Keyword-rich job posts are more likely to show up in candidate searches.
Highlight Your Company Culture
Give applicants a feel for your employer brand by emphasizing your organizational culture, values, and mission. Promote your workplace environment and any standout perks like:
- Remote or flexible work options
- Learning and development programs
- Community service and volunteering
- Diversity and inclusion initiatives
- Wellness benefits and incentives
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid time off and holidays
This provides insight into your principles and work atmosphere.
Be Specific About Requirements
Avoid vague or generic descriptions of required qualifications like “good communication skills.” Use bullet points to list must-have qualifications like:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
- 3-5 years experience in software development
- Coding languages: Java, Python, C++
- Strong project management abilities
Clearly defined requirements allow candidates to assess whether they may be a good fit before applying.
Describe the Role and Responsibilities
Use concise, action-oriented bullet points to summarize the core duties and responsibilities involved, like:
- Manage team of 10 software developers
- Lead project planning from conception to launch
- Develop and implement software testing protocols
- Direct daily stand-up meetings and sprint reviews
- Monitor progress and track metrics on development projects
This gives applicants a transparent overview of day-to-day expectations.
Close with Application Instructions
End your job posting by clearly stating how candidates should apply, including details like:
- Email, portal, or site to submit application/resume/cover letter
- List of required application documents or materials
- Deadline to apply
- Next steps after applying (e.g. screening call)
Clear application instructions make it easy for interested candidates to submit their information. Include hyperlinks where relevant.
Job Posting Examples and Templates
Below are examples of effective job postings across several common roles.
Software Engineer Job Description Example
Software Engineer
ABC Company – Boston, MA
About ABC Company:
ABC Company is a leading software company dedicated to developing mobile applications to improve healthcare accessibility. Our culture celebrates creativity, diversity, and personal development.
Role Summary:
We are looking for a talented Software Engineer to join our industry-leading mobile app development team. In this role, you will design, develop, troubleshoot, and maintain mobile healthcare applications for consumers and medical professionals.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with product managers and UX designers to conceptualize new app features
- Design robust, scalable mobile applications and web platforms
- Write clean, maintainable code using languages like Java, Swift, Objective-C
- Implement new features and capabilities within the app
- Identify and fix performance issues and software defects
- Create prototypes to showcase new programs and functionality
Requirements:
- BS in Computer Science or related field
- 3+ years professional experience in iOS/Android development
- Expertise with Java, Swift, Objective-C, and JavaScript
- Experience with Git, REST APIs, SQL/NoSQL databases
- Working knowledge of UI/UX standards for mobile
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and stock options
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Flexible work schedule
- Professional development funding
- Free gym membership
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Include “Software Engineer Application” in the subject line.
Marketing Manager Job Posting Example
Marketing Manager
XYZ Retail Company – Austin, TX
About XYZ Retail:
XYZ Retail Company is the nation’s leading footwear retailer with over 500 store locations. Our mission is to make quality shoes accessible to all consumers using an omnichannel approach.
Role Summary:
We are seeking an innovative Marketing Manager to join our growing team. In this position, you will develop and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns with the goal of driving brand awareness, generating leads, and increasing sales.
Responsibilities:
- Create comprehensive marketing plans supporting business goals
- Design digital marketing campaigns including SEO, paid ads, email, and social media
- Produce engaging content including blog posts, videos, infographics, and more
- Measure and analyze campaign performance metrics
- Collaborate with PR and communications teams on brand messaging
- Monitor marketing budget and expenses
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field
- 5+ years experience in marketing management role
- Expertise in digital marketing strategies and trends
- Strong project management and organizational abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable presenting to senior leadership
Benefits:
- Competitive salary plus annual bonus
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible work-from-home policy
- Professional development funding
- Generous vacation and holidays
Email your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to [email protected]. Use “Marketing Manager Application” as the subject line.
Teacher Job Posting Template
[Job Title]
[School Name] – [City, State]
About [School Name]:
[Brief paragraph describing your school, philosophy, and values]
Role Summary:
We are looking for a passionate, student-focused [Subject] Teacher for the 20XX-20XX school year. As a teacher at [School Name], you will develop lesson plans, provide individualized instruction, assess student performance, and foster a stimulating classroom environment.
Responsibilities:
- Create engaging lesson plans aligned to state standards
- Deliver effective instruction utilizing a variety of teaching methods
- Assign and evaluate classwork, homework, tests, and quizzes
- Monitor students’ academic progress through regular data tracking
- Modify teaching strategies to accommodate students’ unique needs
- Implement classroom management strategies to maximize learning
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education or [Subject Area]
- [X] years teaching experience in grades [X-X]
- Valid state teaching credential/certification in [Subject Area] for applicable grade levels
- Knowledge of [Subject] curriculum standards and pedagogical strategies
- Commitment to promoting equitable, inclusive learning environments
- Strong classroom management and communication abilities
To apply, submit your application, resume, and cover letter through our online portal here [link]. Applications received by [deadline date] will receive priority review.
Common Job Posting Mistakes to Avoid
While drafting your job advertisement, be sure to steer clear of these frequent job posting pitfalls:
- Using gender-biased language – Avoid gender pronouns like “he/she.” Use “they/their” instead.
- Including discriminatory statements – Never include preferences for characteristics like race, religion, or age.
- Requiring unnecessary qualifications – Only include must-have qualifications to avoid deterring candidates.
- Listing unrealistic experience levels – Be reasonable about required years of experience for the role.
- Failing to highlight company culture and values – Give applicants insight into your organization’s principles.
- Using clichéd, generic, or vague language – Be specific about duties and requirements. Use keywords.
- Neglecting mobile optimization – Ensure ads are mobile-friendly, since many apply on phones.
- Not proofreading for errors – Typos or grammatical errors appear unprofessional.
- Forgetting EEOC/ADA statements – Federal regulations require anti-discrimination statements.
Avoiding these missteps helps attract more qualified applicants.
Where to Post Your Job Advertisement
Once your job posting is polished and proofread, publish it on these sites to maximize visibility:
- Your company’s careers webpage and social media
- Online job boards like Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter
- Industry-specific job sites
- Local/regional job boards
- Relevant professional associations and publications
- University career centers
- Recruiting agencies
Combining online listings and job board postings casts a wide net for talent recruitment.
Tips for an Appealing Job Posting
Follow these best practices when formatting your job advertisement:
- Use concise paragraphs and bullet points for easy skimming
- Break up long blocks of text with section headers
- Use active, energetic language to engage readers
- List responsibilities and requirements in order of importance
- Use a clear, descriptive, attention-grabbing job title
- Highlight competitive salaries, benefits, and advancement opportunities
- Close with a call-to-action to apply
An appealing job posting grabs a candidate’s attention and motivates them to apply.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips for writing an effective job posting that attracts quality applicants:
- Optimize with relevant keywords and job details that will engage your target candidates.
- Convey your employer brand and work culture to help find an ideal hiring match.
- List must-have hard and soft skills to screen for qualified contenders.
- Describe day-to-day duties and responsibilities accurately and transparently.
- Highlight standout company benefits and perks like remote work options.
- Close with clear instructions on how to apply for the position.
- Avoid discriminatory language and unreasonable requirements.
- Post on your careers page, job boards, LinkedIn, and industry sites.
- Use concise, organized formatting to make post skimmable.
Crafting a well-written job advertisement helps attract and hire the best candidates for open roles.
Conclusion
An engaging, informative job posting is crucial for enticing qualified, passionate talent to apply to your company’s open positions. By following the writing tips and examples above, you can develop optimal job advertisements that convey what makes both the role and your organization’s work culture appealing. Invest time into writing compelling descriptions that attract candidates who will thrive in the position. Pair your polished job postings with a strategic distribution plan to connect with superb applicants seeking their next great job opportunity.