A good job posting format is pretty universal. But that means it also applies to any job postings you might create, whether it’s a manufacturing job in Pocatello, a teaching position in Rexburg, a nursing job in Idaho Falls or a customer service position in Blackfoot.
So (cracks knuckles) let’s get down to it.
Be upfront and clear about pay. Someone might love to work at your company for lots of different reasons but can they afford to? They’ll need to know if the job can realistically work for their finances.
Be very specific about pay scales. Just because you don’t have one set number doesn’t mean you can’t be clear about pay expectations. Explain what determines where someone falls within the range—experience, education, certifications, etc.
If you are looking for top-tier talent (and it’s feasible for your business’s budget) be competitive with wages. Research the average pay rate for your industry within your location and if you can meet the higher pay rates consider it.
Benefits can be a great incentive, too, so be sure to share exactly what’s included, such as:
Paid time off
Health insurance
Retirement plans
Bonuses or commission
Other company-specific benefits
Also, note if there are specific hours or employment requirements before an employee can qualify for those benefits.
Much like pay, hours are going to affect the reality of someone being able to fill the position.
Full time, part-time, or a few hours a month–make sure this isn’t an afterthought; it should be at the beginning of your job post. And it wouldn’t hurt to have it in more than one place since we humans don’t always catch every detail the first time.
Along with the number of hours they can expect, be clear on the following
Days of the week
Start/end times
Overtime expectations
On-call requirements
Evening/weekend/holiday work
Whether schedule is fixed or variable
Remote/hybrid/in-person expectations
Again this is a place to NOT be vague.
General work skills are fine, but if you are looking for something specific, BE SPECIFIC! East Idaho has a broad and dynamic job marketplace, from creatives to construction workers. The skills you're looking for are out there, but if you aren’t specific about them, it’s going to be a lot harder to find them.
With that said, don't make a candidate guess which qualifications are deal-breakers.
Still include your “wish list” skills, but, again, be clear that they can still be hired without them.
Something that feels particularly applicable in East Idaho, especially with smaller private businesses, is that some jobs might require some out-of-the-ordinary professional skill set mixes. You could find a local Rigby ranch girl who’s also fantastic at sales, or a born and raised Idaho Falls band kid who also rocks at graphic design.
Tell Candidates What the Job Is Really Like
Don’t assume the job title will clue people into the reality of the daily job. Include a realistic description of a normal workday. Using action verbs in your language can also help you be specific about the position’s different responsibilities.
Along with what they’ll be doing every day, include where they’ll be working. Will they be in your main office in Idaho Falls? Will they stop by the equipment yard in Rexburg in the morning and then work throughout Madison County for the rest of the day?
Candidates aren't only evaluating the job; they're evaluating the employer.
The best job postings don’t just tell you about their workplace environment, they show it. You can reflect the tone of your company in the tone of your job posting; be more fun and conversational or straightforward and professional.
A job posting is definitely a show and tell though. Along with fitting the tone of the post to your company include an “About Us” section that covers some of the following:
What does your company do?
How long have you been in business?
How big is the team?
Who would this person work with?
What does the workplace culture actually look like?
Why do employees enjoy working there?
That way candidates can have a better understanding of the workplace culture.
Finally be sure to not just tell them to apply but how.
Include relevant contact or website information so they can know where to send in an application, fill out an application form, or upload their cover letter and resume.
Also note in either your job posting or on the application form whether or not a cover letter is required.
The goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible. If a candidate has to hunt for instructions on how to apply, there’s a chance they’ll simply move on to another opportunity.
That’s the gist of it really.
Clear, open communication in your job posting will help you find candidates who will actually fit your recruitment needs.
If you’re hiring in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Ammon, Rexburg, Rigby, and Blackfoot, check out our local job board and the different recruitment package options to post your local jobs today.