Imagine Sarah, a skilled software engineer, scrolling through job listings. She's looking for a new opportunity but needs job descriptions that grab her interest fast. She clicks on your listing and encounters plain text with missing details about the organization’s culture and benefits. Frustrated by the confusing layout and complex application process, she moves on. Another opportunity lost.

Each job description must be comprehensive and self-sufficient, helping candidates make informed decisions without having to navigate your entire site. This is especially true today as candidates often access job openings through various channels, bypassing your career site and landing directly on a job description page. 

If your job descriptions aren’t converting to applications, ask yourself these questions:

1. Are all critical details on the page?
2. Do you provide engaging content that gives talent a glimpse into what it’s like to work at your organization?
3. Is the page and broader career site easy to navigate? 
   

Where job description pages often fall short

Incomplete information: Missing critical details like culture and benefits

A job description that lacks critical details leaves candidates with more questions than answers. Essential information that should never be omitted includes:

• Culture: Insights into the work environment, team dynamics, and organizational values.
• Benefits: Comprehensive overview of health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks.
• Growth opportunities: Clear paths for career advancement and professional development.
• Work-life balance: Policies on remote work, flexible schedules, and paid time off.
  

Candidates need to see the full picture of what it’s like to work at your organization to make an informed decision. Failing to provide this information can result in missed opportunities to convert top talent.

Lack of engagement: Plain text with no engaging content

Plain, unengaging content fails to capture the interest of potential candidates. Without visually appealing elements or interactive features, job seekers quickly lose interest and move on to more dynamic opportunities. Consider the following types of engaging content:

• Videos: Short clips from current employees about their experiences.
• Images: Pictures of the workplace, team events, or organizational gatherings.
  

Engagement is key to keeping candidates on the page and getting them excited about the job opportunity. 

Poor user experience: Hard to navigate and not user-friendly

If your career site and/or job description pages are difficult to navigate, you’re likely losing potential candidates before they even have a chance to apply. Poor user experience can include:

• Cluttered layouts: Overwhelming candidates with too much text and insufficient white space.
• Lack of structure: Failing to organize information in a logical and easy-to-read format.
• Complex language: Using jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse candidates.
• Cumbersome application process: Requiring candidates to fill out lengthy forms or navigate multiple pages just to apply.
  

User experience should be seamless and intuitive, allowing candidates to find the information they need quickly and efficiently. A streamlined process keeps candidates engaged and increases their likelihood of completing the application.

Stand out with enhanced job descriptions

Enhanced job descriptions allow candidates to consume rich, useful content in a one-page environment. Here’s how you can do it:

Key components of enhanced job descriptions:

• Role overview: Job summary, purpose, and primary responsibilities
• Responsibilities: Specific tasks and responsibilities
• Qualifications: Required education, certifications, experience, and skills
• Skills: Hard and soft skills needed for the job
• Work environment: Typical work setting, physical demands, work hours, and travel requirements
• Salary and benefits: Information about compensation, benefits, and perks.
• Organization information: Background on the organization, including mission and values.
• Application process: How to apply, including necessary materials and deadlines.
  

Recruiter’s checklist to enhance job descriptions 

Job description pages are often overlooked and quickly assembled with a basic template. However, these pages can significantly impact your talent acquisition success. Poor or lackluster job descriptions can deter top talent from applying, creating a barrier to attracting the best candidates. 

Enhanced job descriptions that effectively showcase your organization’s culture and benefits while also streamlining the application process can transform this pain point into an opportunity. Leveraging well-crafted job description pages ensures that candidates see your organization as an employer of choice, ready to meet their career aspirations and professional growth needs.