By: Mitzi Kent, RN, BSN | mkent@barlowmccarthy.com
Candidates process information differently. And, with social media outlets like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, candidates can gather information quickly and move on just as quickly if given a chance. The moment is brief to capture a candidate’s interest and keep it long enough for them to get the idea of your position. If something is unclear, confusing, or lengthy, people will move on. Think of it this way; if you confuse them, you will lose them.
So, how do you create that irresistible posting and make the candidate feel as though you are talking to them as they’re reading it? Here are five tips to help you create a captivating job posting:
- Be specific. What must the ideal candidate have professionally for this position? What is the clinical scope? Most active candidates are looking for growth opportunities. Does your organization provide them? Help the candidate see themselves long-term with your organization.
- Answer what the candidates will wonder about. If you are sourcing passive candidates, they know the details of their current role. If you want them to consider your opening, what’s going to be different? Why should they consider leaving what they know for your offering?
- Create excitement at first glance. Think about what you would say to a candidate you really wanted. If you were speaking to the ideal candidate, what would you tell them first, second, and third? Focus on phrases and images that truly differentiate your postings from your competition. Use a tone and language that reflects your organization’s culture.
- Standing out is an excellent thing – and essential. Create an unexpected subject line or heading that makes your post stand out from others. Do the research and check the postings of your competitors. See what they are saying about similar positions. For example, if you are searching for a new surgeon and you have newly renovated OR’s and state-of-the-art equipment, highlight those attributes.
- Check postings on different technology platforms. Be sure to check how your postings display on all technology forms – cell phone, tablet, laptop. Recent research indicates that about half of job candidates will read your posting on their cellular device. It’s challenging to maintain a candidate’s attention if the information they are looking for is difficult to read; they will skip your position and move on to the next. If you’re sourcing passive candidates, this is even more important.
These five steps help candidates who are right for your positions become more engaged and interested in your job post. This will ultimately boost your response quality and help you get closer to finding the ideal candidate.
Ever wonder if your postings and marketing communication are on the right track? I would love to take a look and possibly offer a few suggestions based on your specific opportunities. Just reach out via email and we can find a time to talk, mkent@barlowmccarthy.com.