Job Description Tips

Do you want to attract and hire more qualified employees faster? HBC!'s Director of Workforce Development, Marlana Cork, brings us some tips!

A Job Description is a first impression

Just like a resume is a job seekers' first impression to an employer, a job description is an employer's first impression to a job seeker! This is more than just a list of responsibilities: it's an opportunity to communicate your company in a way that will attract the employees you want.

Put your brain in their brain

Don't have a "take it or leave it" approach to a job description. Think about your ideal employee: what do they need to see in the description to apply? Salary? Growth opportunities? Flexible schedule? A description of workplace culture?

Be clear

What exactly does this job position entail? Avoid jargon, wordiness, or anything that might give the impression that you're looking for someone who can do everything from weld to run IT to write a novel about the Civil War.

Be accurate

Make sure that the job you're describing is the job you're listing. Fast employee turnover happens when a great candidate is hired, but based on the job description, arrives at a job that really isn't the one they applied for.

Loop in current employees

Ask current employees who work alongside this position for their input. What needs to be included to make the job description compelling AND accurate? Are there changes that should be made?

Evaluate the position

Don't just rinse and repeat. Writing a job description is also an opportunity to evaluate the position itself: are these responsibilities and qualifications what I need? Is the pay appropriate? Can I offer flexible scheduling where there previously wasn't any?