7 things to include in your job postings (and 2 to leave out)

When you have a vacancy that needs filling, your staff is aware of any extra workload, so you need to find and hire the right people as quickly as possible. Smart employers know their job posting plays an important role in attracting top talent and making their business successful. After all, if you can't inspire people to apply, then your position will remain vacant for longer.

To ensure you get the attention of the right candidates, discover how to write a job posting, and learn which seven things to include and which two things it's better to leave out.

What to include in your job posting

As well as focusing on what you need from candidates, it's important to get their attention by prioritizing what makes your company stand out from its competitors. Here's what to include when writing a job advertisement:

Relevant job title

Start with a job title that candidates are likely to search for. Many companies have unique job titles, but not all candidates will recognize these terms. By using terminology familiar to people in your industry, you can increase the chances of the right people finding your posting on job boards and in search engines.

Job-essential keywords and phrases

Use commonly searched keywords and phrases to increase the chances of your job advertisement showing up in search results. You can also improve your job descriptions with effective recruiting strategies, including the use of industry-related terms, job titles, and common requirements, such as specific skills, degrees, or other industry credentials.

Company background

Include a section that shares insights into your company. Candidates want to know what to expect from potential employers, so be sure to include a section that shares insights into your company. In addition to telling job seekers what your company does, talk about its mission, core values, and work culture. Mention any awards or recognition your company has received, and explain why your current employees are happy working for you.

Specific job responsibilities

A good job ad outlines exactly what the position requires and informs candidates of the duties they will be expected to perform. When writing a job posting, ensure you explain the role's day-to-day responsibilities. This section should also include details about who the candidate will report to or the employees they will manage.

Appropriate salary range

Include a salary range in your job postings. Candidates are more likely to apply for a position when this information is provided, and several states also have wage transparency laws, meaning salaries must be disclosed during the hiring process. So, if you haven't even mentioned the job's salary, you should research the appropriate range for the role and add it to the description.

“Candidates are more likely to apply for positions with extra perks and bonuses, so it's important to highlight any such benefits.”

Compensation and benefits packages

Mention any standard benefits, such as health insurance and retirement, but also include any perks that make your company stand out, such as remote work or a flexible schedule. Candidates are more likely to apply for positions with extra perks and bonuses, so it's important to highlight any such benefits. These may include a healthy work-life balance, career advancement, or professional development opportunities.

Work location requirements

Provide details of any location requirements. Many candidates may be looking for remote roles but have not added that filter to their search, so it is important to be clear about the logistics of the job. If your company supports flexible arrangements, state this clearly in your job advertisement. Similarly, if you can't offer a remote position, let candidates know.

What to leave out

When writing a job description, it's helpful to know what to highlight, but knowing what to omit is equally important. Two things to leave out are:

Irrelevant details

Give job seekers the information they need to know, but don't go overboard with too many irrelevant details. The more information you provide, the longer the job posting will be and the less likely applicants are to read the entire thing. When creating your job posting, try to differentiate between what candidates need to know and what you can leave out. For example, potential candidates don't benefit from or even need to know that the sports fans in your company get together for every game. Details like these aren't necessary, so leave them out.

Embellishment of the job or environment

It's also important that you don't oversell the position by exaggerating the duties involved, the perks, or any other aspect of the work environment. If the position requires employees to work in the office for most of the week, be clear about that in the job description, and if it's a contract role, mention this upfront.

To attract the right candidates, it's essential to know what to include and what to leave out of your job postings. By ensuring proper formatting, transparent details, and approachable ways to connect with your company, your business is more likely to attract the qualified professionals most suited to the role.