The Perfect Job Posting to Attract the Right Candidate

By VICKY BROWN

Look, I get it. Writing job postings can feel like a chore. You’ve got this position to fill, and you’re focused on getting all those technical requirements down on paper. But here’s the thing – if you want to succeed at attracting top talent, especially as a small business or startup, we need to think bigger.

Let’s Flip the Script on Traditional Job Postings

You know what I see all the time? Job postings that are basically just shopping lists. Required skills? Check. Years of experience? Check. Educational requirements? Check. And sure, that stuff matters – but it’s just the beginning.

Here’s the truth: recruitment strategies for startups need to go beyond the basics. Why? Because the best candidates have options. Lots of them. So let’s talk about how to make your job posting stand out.

5 Game-Changing Tips for Crafting Compelling Job Ads

Tell the Story of Their Day

Want to know one of my favorite employer branding techniques? Walk candidates through “a day in the life.” Don’t just list duties – paint a picture:

Do they kick off with energizing team huddles?
Are they diving into exciting projects?
How do they collaborate with the team?
What does success actually look like?

When you help someone imagine themselves in the role, magic happens. They can feel whether it’s right for them.

Let Your Team Do Some of the Talking

Here’s a small business recruitment tip that works wonders: include real voices from your team. Not corporate-speak – I’m talking about authentic stories. Maybe it’s Sarah talking about how she’s grown since joining, or Mike sharing how the flexible schedule lets him coach his kid’s soccer team.

Pro tip: Consider adding team videos to your careers page. It’s like having a page of testimonials, but better because it’s your actual team sharing their experiences.

“… Recruiting is a marketing activity“

Show Them the Path to Success

Let’s get specific about what winning looks like in this role. One of my favorite hiring best practices is breaking it down into chunks:

First 30 days: What will they learn?
By 60 days: Which projects will they own?
At 90 days: What impact should they be making?

This isn’t about pressure – it’s about clarity. When candidates can see the path ahead, they can decide if they’re ready for the journey.

Get Real with Video

I know this might push you out of your comfort zone, but trust me on this one. Add a quick video from you or the hiring manager. Talk about why this role matters. Share your excitement. And don’t worry about making it perfect – authenticity beats polish every time.

Embrace What Makes You Different

Writing effective job postings isn’t about fitting in – it’s about standing out. Do you have Taco Tuesday team lunches? An amazing mentorship program? A passion for sustainable business? Whatever makes your company unique, own it!

Whether you’re an entrepreneur jumping into a leadership role, a seasoned business pro with new HR responsibilities, or just starting your HR career – we’ve got the right path to guide you through your HR hurdles.

Check out the Leaders Journey Experience. This online education platform holds the LJE Masterclass, HR SimpleStart Academy and HR FuturePro Academy.

Not sure where to start – take the quiz!

Why This Approach to Talent Acquisition Works

Here’s something most entrepreneurs miss about engaging job descriptions – when you’re clear about who you are and what you need, you actually save time. How? You attract candidates who already get your vibe and share your values. That means fewer interviews with people who aren’t a fit, and more conversations with potential rockstars.

Keep It Fresh and Real

One last piece of advice about small business recruitment: your job postings should evolve as your company does. What worked six months ago might not capture who you are today. So keep them current, keep them honest, and most importantly, keep them focused on attracting the kind of talent that will help your business thrive.

Remember, the right people are out there looking for an opportunity just like yours. Your job is to help them find you with job posting tips that actually work. And it all starts with telling your story in a way that speaks to the hearts and minds of the people you want to attract.