By Maja Feher
Dog-friendly office in the attractive part of the town, ping pong table, and the gym with the shower, healthy snacks, and casual Fridays - we've all come across those enticing job ads that make most of us want to work for a company instantly.
But what about remote jobs? What sets them apart, besides the obvious advantage of being remote? In an era where 'work from home' is no longer a unicorn perk, how can companies exclusively offering remote positions stand out and attract top talent?
Having perused numerous remote job ads over the years, we've gathered insights into what makes a remote job description REALLY popular. And no, it's not just about incorporating an outstanding perk that no one has thought of before (though that could be a cool addition).
It all begins with showing respect for a potential candidate's time, demonstrated through several essential characteristics of job description writing.
Clarity and Easily Accessible Key Information
Job searching can often become lengthy for job seekers and recruiters. To streamline this experience and minimize frustration, it is crucial to ensure that job ads are crafted most effectively, catering to both parties' needs. This holds particularly true when it comes to remote job descriptions.
The initial step to save time for both recruiters and job seekers is to make essential information, such as geographical restrictions, salary details, and the type of contract sought, clear and prominently visible.
According to ladders.com, candidates spend an average of 49.7 seconds deciding on a position's suitability when it's not a fit and 76.7 seconds when it is. Clearly stating this vital information allows more time for both parties to focus on other crucial aspects of the job ad.
Similarly, salary is a key factor for nearly 1 out of 4 job seekers. Clearly communicating the compensation range for the role is imperative. Failing to do so may lead to investing time in a seemingly perfect candidate, only to discover that the offered salary is a deal-breaker for them or vice versa.
The most successful remote job ads prioritize displaying information about location, salary, and work contract type at the beginning. This saves valuable time for potential candidates and recruiters, reducing the number of applicants who may not be interested or suitable once these critical criteria are revealed and making the job ad - really popular.
Setting Clear Expectations
Ensuring that every aspect of the role is meticulously described is essential for providing potential candidates with a comprehensive understanding of their expected responsibilities within a given timeframe. Clearly outlining the professional and personal skills required for the role is equally crucial.
It is imperative to strike a balance, avoiding both exaggeration and underestimation of the skillset necessary for optimal performance. Additionally, employing inclusive language is vital to attracting diverse candidates and ensuring your job description resonates with a broader audience.
In the words of John Anderton, CEO of Butterfly: "When hiring talent, really understand the job role, your company culture, and what is required to succeed in the role. Then craft a job ad that stands out and a recruitment process that surfaces 'A' players."
Many recruiters find themselves rewriting job ads due to an influx of applications from candidates who are unsuitable for the role. Clearly defining the target candidate profile and articulating precise expectations helps minimize this issue.
By creating a job description that accurately reflects the role's demands and requirements, recruiters can attract candidates who align with the position.
Clear Remote Work Expectations
Even within the realm of remote jobs, there exist nuances that can either encourage applicants or turn them off, irrespective of meeting the required qualifications. Thus, it is essential that the job description explicitly outlines these appealing or potentially deal-breaking facets.
It's essential to communicate the company's approach to remote work. For instance, if the organization operates loosely, prioritizing task completion and business functionality over strict schedules, and if working hours are flexible, make it known.
Clearly state whether the company abstains from organizing regular team meetings and downplays the importance of fostering employee relationships within a formalized company culture.
Conversely, if the company envisions remote work as an opportunity for employees to occasionally visit the office at their discretion, organizing engaging activities such as mystery lunches and after-work gatherings for those in proximity, daily team meetings, and the cultivation of strong internal relationships, this should be explicitly communicated in the job ad.
This information is crucial for potential candidates to assess whether the company's approach to remote work aligns with their personal preferences and expectations. By providing this clarity upfront, the job description serves as a guide for candidates, facilitating a more informed decision-making process.
Highlighting Candidate Benefits
In the final assessment of a potential workplace, candidates are naturally curious about what the company offers them. This is the opportune space to showcase the unique perks of remote work, akin to how traditional offices might boast a "dog-friendly environment" or other similar amenities.
Candidates appreciate transparency regarding benefits such as insurance policies, retirement packages, and generous time off or parental leave. Including these details in the job ad informs potential hires about the tangible advantages they will receive and provides insight into the company's commitment to employee well-being—a crucial factor in understanding its culture.
Beyond standard benefits, additional perks can set a job description apart. Consider highlighting features like asynchronous work options, periods during which candidates can work from anywhere, home office allowances, mental health support, or any other creative offerings devised by the recruiting team.
These added benefits make the job description more enticing and demonstrate the company's commitment to creating a supportive and attractive work environment.
In a competitive job market, showcasing the benefits package right from the initial job ad can significantly contribute to standing out among numerous listings and attracting top-tier candidates to your company.
Exploring Advanced Job Ad Promotion Strategies
Last but certainly not least, despite addressing all the crucial aspects in your job description, there may be instances where the desired visibility is not achieved. In such cases, it's worth considering leveraging your budget to increase the popularity of the job ad on the platform where it's posted.
Here at Remotive, we offer a range of advanced visibility options designed to elevate job ads, ensuring they reach a broader audience and attract more candidates. Investing in these promotion strategies can be a strategic move, especially in competitive job markets, as it maximizes the exposure of your job opening and increases the likelihood of reaching top talent.
