Writing a Job Description to Find the Right Candidate

The job description is an essential component to attracting the right candidate. The purpose of this document is to inform the applicant on job requirements, duties, responsibilities and skills required for this role. While this may seem straightforward, creating a compelling job description is easier said than done. Throughout this piece we will cover how to create this so you can attract the right candidate.

Is This You?

A compelling job description will have an “Is This You?” section. Here, there should be a series of questions to ask the applicant to see if they are a proper fit for the role. The goal is to get the applicant to agree with the post. An effective “Is This You?” section will help candidates envision themselves in the role you are offering. Additionally, your job description becomes more interactive and gives the impression that you are speaking directly to the applicant. An example of this can be found here:

• Are you passionate about delivering excellent service for a brand you love?
• Do you love working with people and helping them find solutions to their problems?
• Are you a hard worker and enjoy going the extra mile?
  
  

Job Overview

In this section, there should be a brief summary of the role you are offering. The goal is to help candidates understand the basis of what they will be doing throughout their time in the role. This section is an opportunity to shine light on the value this role will bring to the company. An effective “Job Overview” highlights the purpose of the role and identifies meaningful contributions that will be delivered by a potential employee. In fact, research found that the younger workforce values opportunities for meaningful growth, so including the purpose and meaningful contributions of the role will help your job description stand out. An example of a “Job Overview” can be found here:

We are looking for a Customer Service Associate who will be the face of the brand and will help customers with their purchasing needs in a proficient and friendly manner. This person will directly contribute to customer satisfaction by addressing concerns, and by communicating professionally and positively. You will apply multitasking skills by listening and speaking to customers, navigating the POS system, and maintaining quality service simultaneously. You will gain customer confidence and trust throughout this role.

Job Responsibilities

“Job Responsibilities” should list the duties involved with the role. The goal is to help the candidate understand the day-to-day operations and what they should expect on the job. It’s common for recruiters to simply write a grocery list of the duties involved. However, an effective “Job Responsibilities” section will include the why component in each task. Explaining the why creates a purpose-driven workforce and won’t keep your candidate questioning their tasks. Additionally, when developing the list, it’s helpful to order the responsibilities in order of priority and importance. An example of a “Job Responsibilities” section can be found here:

• Deliver excellent customer service that reflects and reinforces brand values to our customers.
• Deliver guidance for the customer to help them find brand products that appeal to them personally.
• Maintain cleanliness of the storefront to support brand reputation.
  
  

Qualifications

Finally, an exhaustive job description will include “Qualifications”. The goal here is to include additional characteristics that you are looking for in the ideal candidate. This can include education, experience, certifications, technologies known, and technical skills. These additional qualifications will help refine your search and ensure the candidates are a closer fit to what you are looking for. An example of a “Qualifications” section can be found here:

• High School diploma, GED, or suitable equivalent.
• 1+ years in customer service, preferably in a related field.
• Experience with POS systems preferred.
• Proficient in task management, scheduling, quality assurance.
• CPR certified or willing to train.
  
  

The job description is an essential component to attracting the right candidate. While this may seem straightforward, creating a compelling job description is easier said than done. However, these tips should steer you on the right track and help you land your next high-quality candidate!