How to Write a Job Posting

This is the most important part when you’re posting to job boards. Be precise and concise in your title, including key phrases to accurately describe the role. You should also avoid using internal jargon or terms that job seekers aren't likely to look for.

If you are writing a job posting for a bilingual position, the title must be written first in English, followed by a forward slash, then in French. For example: Radiology nurse / Infirmière en radiologie.

This is a single paragraph that provides an overview of your company and what you are looking for from candidates for this position. A short company culture introduction tells candidates why they should want to work for your company. You might want to include your company values and vision, and any awards you have recently won.

When you have introduced your company and the work environment, you should include your exact location, as this will help your job posting to appear higher up in search results. Most Canadian job seekers also want to know about the job schedule, so include expected work hours, schedule information, and key work environment details.

Your job description should include a detailed, but concise list of the key responsibilities of the job. You should include responsibilities that may be unique to your company so that the job seekers understand what is expected and can see if they are qualified for the position.

Outlining the most important day-to-day activities of the role helps job seekers to understand the work environment and what activities they are expected to perform, and will help them to decide if your company is the right fit for them.

A job description should include a list of the most important qualifications, and hard skills required for the role, but you may also include the soft skills and personality traits that you think would make the job seeker successful in the role. However, keep your list short and to the point. Listing too many requirements can dissuade potential job seekers.

Most Canadian job seekers look for a job that meets their salary expectations, so adding a salary range to your job posting will help your vacancy to stand out from the competition. Adding attractive benefits, such as paid time off, flexible hours, and office snacks, also encourages job seekers to apply for your vacancy.

Detail everything from when they first apply to when they get hired. This way, job seekers won't be left in the dark about what happens next. Detail what items you want to receive, such as a resume and cover letter, how you want job seekers to apply (via phone, email, or in-person), and an application deadline and time.

Treat this job post writing exercise just as you would any other important piece of company marketing. Get multiple people to read it and provide you with honest feedback. Make sure you have fixed any errors before you post the job to hundreds of job boards.

Look at all the emails that you send to candidates at each step of the hiring process. Pick them apart and ensure they are clear, personal, and continue to sell the candidate on the role at every step. A poor first response to a candidate's application will undo all the good work you did in the job post by getting them to apply.