Did you know that over 3 million companies use the website Indeed? With countless job board websites on the internet, you can find almost any job that you are looking for. Not all positions are alike. Whether you are a recruiter who is posting a job description for a clients role, or an internal Human Resources / Recruiter for your company, there are do’s and don’ts to your online job description. Here is what you should be looking out for in job descriptions as a candidate:
Stagnant Posting: Take note of how long the position has been posted. According to Indeed, most job postings stay active for 30 days. There are many factors to take into consideration when looking at how long the position has been posted. These include the industry, the level of experience needed, location, skillset, and compensation. On job sites such as LinkedIn, you are able to see how many people have applied for the position with descriptions such as “Be the first of 25 applicants!”. If a job is posted for too long, this could mean that the employer is not actively hiring, and it may be better to spend your time going after other positions.
Clear Compensation: Compensation ranges within job descriptions are great for both candidates and hiring managers. Compensation ranges give candidates a clear picture of what to expect in the position. For hiring managers, including clear compensation ranges saves them time by leading them to speaking with the right candidates. Instead of spending time speaking with candidates who have salary requirements that are too high or too low for a certain position. You refine your search and get to the right candidate faster.
Detailed Responsibilities: After reading the job posting, ask yourself if you understand: What the position entails? Is this a hunting or farming job? What is the product that the company is selling? What does the company do? The purpose of these questions is to ensure that you as a candidate can visualize what you would be doing there.
Indication Of Work-Life Balance: If work-life balance is important to you as an employee, be on the lookout for positions that clearly incorporate this. Watch out for wording such as “Weekends mandatory,” or “No Paid Vacation Time.” When searching, determine your deal breakers to evaluate how a position would fit with your lifestyle. You need to know if the position will aid you in where you are going professionally and personally.
It is easy to get overwhelmed with the countless job postings out there. As a candidate, recognizing job descriptions will help filter your search to align with your values and goals. As a recruiter or Hiring Manager, this will save you time and help you find the right candidate for the position. Job postings should have clear value propositions to gain the best results for both parties.