Decoding Job Postings: Your Comprehensive Guide

Masha -

A job advertisement is a communication intended to attract potential applicants for an open position. It is usually posted in a public forum where interested candidates can view the details and apply with their credentials if they are considered for the position.

Many people use job advertisements and job postings interchangeably; However, you must know that they differ slightly. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about a job advertisement - its meaning, its types, its elements and where to post it for your company.

What is the importance of job advertisements?

Job advertisements are fundamental for employers to make the best hiring decisions. They serve as an effective platform for companies to promote their brand and attract potential applicants who match the desired profile. Ultimately, they help employers find the right employees and ensure that the employees selected have the skills and knowledge to perform their tasks.

It's important to remember that job advertisements can have a significant impact on a company's hiring costs and employer branding because they effectively promote company culture and serve as a tool for self-expression.

Properly worded job advertisements can attract qualified talent from a variety of sources, resulting in better quality hires and a reduction in overall recruiting costs. Additionally, well-designed job ads help create an effective employer brand that attracts top talent in future hiring processes.

What are the types of job advertisements?

There are mainly two types of job advertisements: internal and external. Let's look at them in detail:

  • Internal

Internal job advertisements are also commonly referred to as job postings and are an essential part of the hiring process in any company. They allow employees to apply for open positions within their own company, which can be beneficial for both the employer and the employee.

This type of job posting also allows employers to promote employees from within their own ranks and reward loyal employees by recognizing their hard work and dedication. This also saves time and costs in recruiting by eliminating the need to search for potential candidates outside the company.

  • External

An external job posting is a public announcement of a job vacancy. It contains important information about the job, such as qualifications and responsibilities, to attract qualified applicants. Companies often use this as part of their hiring process because it allows them to reach a larger pool of potential applicants.

These job postings are typically posted on online job boards and social media platforms, but may also be posted in print media and other local sources.

Accurate elements of a job advertisement

A well-prepared job advertisement contains enough details about the position to be filled for each applicant. Here's everything you need to include from top to bottom:

1.Job title

The first important step in a well-written job advertisement is the title of the position. Anyone scrolling through their social media or a job board will most likely click on your job ad based on the title. Indicate the position of the job in the title itself - whether it is an entry-level, middle or senior management position.

2.Workplace

Location is one of the most commonly left out elements in a job ad. You must specify the location of the job to attract more job seekers and allow them to calculate the time required for commuting. By specifying the primary location of the job, you will attract more relevant candidates who are willing to commute to the location.

3.Job Description

The job description section of a job advertisement contains a compelling tone and details about the position being filled. It contains a summary of the most important responsibilities and tasks as well as the individual steps of the recruitment process. It helps the job seeker set clear expectations and avoid further disappointment.

4.Job Description

The job description and requirement profile seem to be the same, but that is not the case. The requirements profile should contain details of what is expected of the applicant, such as: Skills, knowledge and educational qualifications.

5.Employee benefits

Including benefits in your job posting will attract more qualified applicants because other compensation is also important. List all the services your company offers, E.g., health insurance, paid vacation, flexible work schedules, telecommuting options, reimbursements, and retirement benefits.

6.Salary and remuneration

According to LinkedIn, you will be surprised to know that about 61% of job seekers prefer to see salary and compensation in a job description!

Most HR managers often forget to include this important component, but it is important to highlight the salary package in the description as it saves you and the employee time. If the applicant knows the salary range for the position they are applying for, they can set their expectations from the start so that there is no room for disappointment after lengthy rounds of applications.

7.Other necessary details

Apart from the above requirements for a good job posting, here are some essential information that must also be included:

  • Estimated time of entry
  • The desired working hours (full-time, part-time)
  • Type of contract (temporary, permanent)
  • Future development in career or training

8.Application process

You must make the application process completely transparent in the job advertisement in order to build trust between you and the applicant. This transparency also ensures that the applicant receives all the information necessary to make the right decision.

Be clear about the application process from the start. Tell applicants what they need to bring, E.g. references, cover letters, proof of training or portfolios.

9.Contact information

Be sure to include the contact information of the person responsible for the hiring process in each department. This allows your applicants to obtain further information about the position if necessary.

10.Visual design

According to a survey conducted by Software Advice, almost half of respondents (51%) said they would interact more with a job ad if it included visuals. Additionally, data from LinkedIn suggests that shorter job ads are viewed by candidates 8.4% more often than average. Therefore, it is important to keep the design and layout in mind when posting a job ad.

Where is the best place to publish the job advertisement?

Once you have created the best job advert with the above points in mind, you need to know which media is best suited to increase your chances of attracting qualified and relevant applicants.

Here are some of the best places to post job ads:

  • Online job boards
  • Career websites/apps
  • Social media like Instagram, Facebook
  • Run paid ads
  • The careers section of your website
  • Newsletters
  • Local media

How can an ATS help a job advertisement increase its reach?

Previously, if you wanted to post a company job online, you had to create accounts on multiple channels to promote it. However, with a smart applicant tracking system like IceHrm, you no longer have to manually create different accounts for job postings on different media.

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) has an integrated job ad management service to create, maintain and manage the career site.

IceHrm allows you to advertise your position on the company website and careers pages to appeal to a wider range of talent and simplify your recruiting solution. This can be done using the following functions:

Elevate your hiring game by mastering the art of job advertisements. With proper elements and strategic posting, attract top talent effortlessly. Harness the power of IceHrm's ATS to streamline your recruitment journey and find the best-fit candidates for your team.