Published on Wednesday, Aug 27, 2008
Why do most companies overlook the integral role that job descriptions play in hiring and selection decisions? They churn out poorly written job postings and classifieds without expending a single thought towards the content. This creates a generic, o rdinary and unadventurous portrayal of ‘must have’ qualifications and mundane duties hinting at sheer monotony.
People comb and assess job descriptions with an eagle eye, but such meaningless ritual incantations appeal only to those desperate to be hired.
The sloppy description actually chases away exceptional talent who can whiff mediocrity from a mile. The result is no response or worse - a flood of resumes from unqualified candidates. And that definitely is not anyone’s target segment by a long shot!
Little wonder that most hiring mistakes can be attributed to ineffective job descriptions.
Catching the right eyes
Job advert statements are all about making the crucial first impression. It is definitely essential to state the mandatory qualifications and skills required for the job along with the ensuing attributes and responsibilities.
Yet, leaving it at that makes a job seem quite off-putting. Putting some sizzle in the description will turn heads, and the right ones at that! Consider these tips:
• The job title should be compelling enough to make a job seeker want to read the rest of the posting. For example, try substituting a boring title of ‘Marketing Manager’ with a more fun and exciting one like, ‘Launcher of Nifty Office Products’.
• Listing a few positive aspects like career advancement, benefits and company progress can enliven the dreariest of jobs. All it takes to gear up excitement about a job’s prospects is a few choice phrases like ‘on the brink of greatness’ or ‘become a part of the hottest sales team’ interspersed with the otherwise repetitive tasks and mundane requirements.
• Do not portray the candidate as an interchangeable commodity. Employ descriptive ways to paint an innovative picture of the job responsibilities and depict the prerequisites as positive action items. Use examples instead of long-drawn explanations
• Try to incorporate something new and exciting either through the challenges the company has faced or upcoming projects and their impact. Use the job posting to emphasise job challenges, a cutting edge environment, company vision and how an employee can make a difference.
• Top HR consultant and speaker, Lou Adler says, “The job description shouldn’t be this dull, boring, must have this (qualification). Offer an opportunity, not just a job!” Dump traditional job descriptions that focus on a laundry list of skills and duties in favour of describing the work as an attractive opportunity. Step away from the job history and depict what the job will be in keeping with the organisation’s long-term objectives.
• Omit meaningless fluff like ‘industry leader’ and ‘change the world’ when everyone knows it’s not true. Instead, highlight small, unique aspects of the job and company.
• Identify and respond to job seekers’ motivations and desires. Concentrate on what people actually want and mould the job description to highlight what’s in it for them.
• The job description should not diverge from the actual job in an attempt to sound alluring. Top candidates will steer clear of classifieds where the features and conditions are inconsistent with the job title. Also, sugarcoating a job description to mislead candidates is not only unethical but will make gullible employees leave soon after hiring. Therefore, instead of overselling a non-existent glamour, create attractive and credible job advertisements.
Therefore, well-crafted appealing job advertisements will improve hiring the right candidates.
If you are still not convinced, consider this:
‘Support and maintenance of network operations along with short, team-based development projects to existing products….’
Contrast it with:
‘If you are bored, stop worrying right now! We work together on next generation technology. Nurture your passion for development right here….’
Now think about which one makes you want to apply!
PAYAL CHANANIA
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