5 Proven Tips to Attract Better Job Candidates
Hiring can be a challenge, especially when you're not receiving quality candidates. Whether it's for a new role or replacing someone who's moved on, the process can feel frustrating when you're not getting the right people applying. But don't worry—there are steps you can take to improve the quality of applicants.
Here are some simple, actionable tips that will help you attract better candidates and make the hiring process smoother.
1. Update and Enhance Your Job Description
Your job description is often the first impression a candidate has of your company, and we all know how important first impressions are. A well-written, engaging job description can make all the difference in who decides to apply. If your description is unclear or lacks enthusiasm, you may unintentionally be driving away top talent.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Make it engaging: Use language that reflects your company’s culture and values. This helps attract candidates who resonate with your work environment.
Be inclusive: Make sure the language appeals to a broad audience. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless they’re truly necessary for the role.
Highlight the essentials: Focus on the key duties, qualifications, and skills without overwhelming the reader. This helps candidates quickly understand if the role is a good fit for them.
For more in-depth guidance, check out these resources:
2. Optimize for Keywords
With so many job postings out there, making yours stand out in search results is key. Incorporating relevant keywords in your job description can boost its visibility, making it easier for the right candidates to find you.
Here’s how to do it effectively:
Use the job title (e.g., “Administrative Assistant”) naturally in the description a few times.
Include related phrases or skills that potential candidates might search for. For example, if hiring for a software developer, mention specific languages or platforms like "JavaScript" or "React."
Avoid overstuffing keywords—balance is important. It should read naturally and flow smoothly.
3. Highlight the Perks
Compensation isn’t the only thing candidates look for when choosing a job. Benefits and perks are often major decision-making factors. If your company offers flexible hours, remote work options, professional development opportunities, or wellness programs, make sure to highlight these in your job posting. Even smaller benefits, like a casual dress code or free snacks, can appeal to candidates who value workplace culture.
Remember, you want to sell the position just as much as the candidates want to sell themselves!
4. Offer a Competitive Salary
Being transparent about compensation is important. In today’s job market, candidates often skip over postings that don’t mention salary ranges, assuming it’s either too low or not worth their time. Before setting a salary range, do some research. Use platforms like Indeed or Glassdoor to gauge what similar roles in your area are paying. Offering a competitive salary will not only attract better candidates but also increase your chances of retaining them long-term.
5. Keep It Concise
The average job seeker is scanning dozens, if not hundreds, of job postings, often on a mobile device. Long, dense descriptions can lead to what we call "scrolling fatigue"—yes, it’s a real thing! To keep candidates engaged, limit your job description’s "Responsibilities" and "Requirements" sections to five bullet points each.
Concise, clear job descriptions are more accessible and inviting. Plus, they’re easier to digest on mobile devices, which is where over two-thirds of job seekers are applying from these days.
Follow these five steps and you’ll be well on your way to attracting better candidates, reducing your time to hire, and ensuring you find the right fit for your team.
Need extra support in hiring the best talent? We can help! Our team specializes in streamlining the hiring process and connecting you with top-tier candidates. Reach out to us today and let’s make your next hire the best yet!