A job posting is more than a list of tasks. It is your first introduction to candidates én immediately a piece of advertising for your organization. Provided you choose the right form and content.
Preparation and attention
The number of vacancies has exceeded the number of job seekers for some time now. Candidates therefore have a choice. And if your text receives little attention, the reader often feels it, which causes them to drop out sooner. A little preparation and focus will get you a long way. Fortunately, with these six tips it will still be a piece of cake.
Tip 1: Choose a title that people search on
The first thing a job seeker reads is the job title. A vague or incomprehensible job title can cause the candidate to not even open the job posting. Therefore, choose a title that is clear and recognizable én contains words that candidates are actually searching for.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO), or optimizing texts for search engines, is extremely important for job postings. On our job boards we see that many visitors come in via Google and increasingly via AI tools. So the right word in your title can immediately bring in the (right) applicant. Avoid meaningless terms such as ‘creative jack-of-all-trades’. After all, hardly anyone searches for that. Also avoid words like ‘enthusiastic’ or ‘experienced’. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to enthuse a candidate.
Tip 2: Use the five W’s in your introduction
A good start is half the battle. The introduction should provide the most important information, while being short and to the point. Many readers quickly decide whether to continue or drop out. So make it concrete right away and avoid abstract concepts.
In your intro, list the five W’s: who, what, where, why and when.
- Who are you looking for? • What does the position entail?
- Where will you be working?
- Why should the applicant come to work for you?
- .When can someone start?
Tip 3: Keep requirements sharp and leave out pre’s as much as possible
Keep job requirements short and concise. Every additional requirement makes your job posting heavier, and that can cause people to drop out faster. Pre’s are often not a dealbreaker, so put them down only when they really add something.
A helpful check: ask yourself if you're looking for work experience, or mainly knowledge and skills. Someone may also have gained that knowledge in another sector, or through volunteer work, internships or hobby projects.
Tip 4: Work on your employer brand
Even with a cool job posting, a candidate will look at what it's like to work for you. So your employer brand plays a very important role in getting people to apply. Many (young) job seekers value issues such as sustainability or equal opportunities. Therefore, tell them what you stand for and what you do concretely.
Providing a realistic impression of the work atmosphere a job seeker will end up in also works well. ‘fun’ and ‘dynamic’ are meaningless, examples work better. A hilarious Friday afternoon drink at the local pub as an example is more tangible, as are legendary matches at the air field hockey or foosball table.
Think carefully about how you want to be known as an employer and make sure this is reflected in your communications.
Tip 5: Be honest and transparent
Be open about salary and conditions. Many candidates drop out if no indication is given. And yes: money is important, but not everything. Therefore, also mention your fringe benefits and advancement opportunities.
Make it especially concrete. Flexible working hours, extra days off, more parental leave, a training budget or an ergonomic home office. Show what you as an employer contribute to the candidate's life.
Tip 6: Close strong and make applying easy
If you've told everything you want to say, that doesn't mean you should let the text die out. Reward the reader who gets to the end with an inviting closing.
Conclude, for example, with a question: “Would you also like to contribute…?” or “Do you see yourself in this role? ” and make it clear what the next step is. Encourage contact, even if someone wants to get acquainted first. A strong first impression works best if you end with a clear invitation.
