Are your job descriptions speaking directly to your candidates? Are they free from bias and internal jargon? Are they optimized for search engines? If you’re unsure, it’s time to take a closer look at your job descriptions.
A Case Study in Job Description Transformation
At TalentNet Media, we were approached by one of the world’s largest banks to help them create more appealing, search engine-friendly, and less biased job descriptions. We developed a library of bias terms, audited their job descriptions, enhanced SEO, crafted more engaging language, and trained their teams on best practices. The result? We trained 1200 recruiters and transformed 13,000 job descriptions.
The Hidden Bias in Job Descriptions
Surprisingly, common terms like “drive”, “his/her”, and “mastery” can introduce bias into a job description. This led us to question: How many other top banks have bias and SEO issues in their job descriptions? Our audit revealed that likely all of them do, including Bank of America, Citi, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bancorp, PNC Financial Services, Truist Financial, Goldman Sachs, Capital One Financial, and TD Group US Holdings.
Key Strategies for Optimizing Job Descriptions
So, how can you optimize your company’s job descriptions? Here are some key strategies:
Speak Directly to Candidates
Use “YOU” language to speak directly to your job candidates. This creates a personal connection and makes the candidate feel valued.
Remove Jargon and Acronyms
Eliminate acronyms and internal jargon that may not be understood by external candidates. Keep your language clear and accessible.
Replace Bias Words
Replace biased words with unbiased terminology. This ensures your job descriptions are inclusive and welcoming to all potential candidates.
Optimize for SEO
Use keywords in your job titles to optimize them for search engines. This will make your job descriptions more discoverable to potential candidates.
Conclusion: The Power of Optimized Job Descriptions
So, how current are your company’s job descriptions? By following these strategies, you can create job descriptions that are compelling, inclusive, and effective in attracting top talent. Remember, a job description is more than just a list of tasks and responsibilities – it’s a powerful tool to communicate your company’s values and attract the right candidates. We’d love to hear about your experiences and successes in optimizing job descriptions!
Digital Marketing Specialist with a passion for driving impactful campaigns and optimizing online presence. My expertise lies in digital ad creation, email marketing, job candidate sourcing and recruiting, PPC ad optimization, graphic design, and event promotion.
