As an HR or recruitment professional, attracting and retaining the right candidates is crucial for your company’s success. An engaging Candidate Journey can be the key to finding the perfect match and standing out from competitors. Here are our tips on how to turn a standard job description into a captivating story.
Why a Captivating Job Description Matters
A job description is often the first impression a candidate has of your company. Imagine you’re looking for a creative marketer. A generic text listing only job requirements and responsibilities may not spark much interest. However, an inspiring story about your company culture, daily challenges, and the impact the candidate can make can transform your application response rate.
Step 1: Finding the Right Tone
The tone of your job description should match your company’s culture and attract the right candidates. For instance, if your company is young and dynamic, a friendly and enthusiastic tone is more appropriate. Avoid overly formal or complicated language that might not reflect your company’s atmosphere. By maintaining consistency in tone across all communications, from job descriptions to social media and blogs, you build a recognizable brand that appeals to potential candidates and encourages them to apply.
Step 2: Utilizing Storytelling
Use storytelling to bring the role and company culture to life. Share a story about a project the team is proud of or a challenge you’ve overcome together. For example, "From collaboration to equal opportunities. How our diversity program has created an inclusive work environment and equal opportunities for all employees.”
Step 3: Incorporating Social Proof
Show what current employees say about working at your company through quotes, short stories, or videos. This creates credibility and gives candidates a glimpse into your company culture. For example, "Emma, our current marketer, says, 'Working at [Company Name] is fantastic. The atmosphere here feels like a supportive team where my ideas are valued.'”
Step 4: Bringing the Role to Life
Describe specific situations and challenges the candidate will face. This helps candidates visualize working at your company and makes the job posting more personal and relevant. Instead of a list of tasks, tell what the candidate will do and learn. For example, "Imagine: it’s Monday morning, and you start your day with a brainstorming session for a new social media campaign that will wow our customers.”
Step 5: Ending with a Strong Call to Action
Finish with a compelling call to action encouraging candidates to apply. Make it clear why they are a good match for the role and why they should join your company. For example, "Ready to boost your career? Send your resume and cover letter today and tell us why you would be a great addition to our team!”
Conclusion
By turning your job description into an exciting story, you attract potential candidates and make them eager to work for your company. Highlight the company culture, use storytelling, and end with a strong call to action to ensure your job posting stands out.
For more response to your job postings and to improve your recruitment process, download the Job Template from our marketing partner SendtoDeliver. This template includes guidelines for catchy opening sentences, compelling job descriptions, and strong calls to action, increasing your chances of attracting your ideal candidate. Download the template now and get immediate access!
