When it comes to hiring, the job description is often your first—and sometimes only—chance to make a great impression. It’s your handshake, your elevator pitch, your company culture, all wrapped into a few hundred words.
But many job listings fall flat. They’re vague. Overstuffed. Full of clichés. And worst of all, they do nothing to connect with real people looking for real work. If you want to attract high-quality applicants, your job post needs to work harder.
Here’s how to craft a job listing that doesn’t just inform, but inspires the right candidates to apply.
Make the Job—and the Reader—the Hero
Start with a Clear, Honest Title
Your job title isn’t the place to get creative. No one’s searching for “Customer Happiness Guru” or “Marketing Ninja.” Stick to straightforward, searchable titles like “Customer Service Representative” or “Digital Marketing Specialist.” It’s not boring—it’s effective.
Write to the Candidate, Not about Them
Too many job descriptions speak in third-person generalities. Phrases like “The ideal candidate will…” sound cold and detached. Instead, make it personal. Say “You’ll manage a team of three,” or “You’ll lead client meetings every Monday.” This makes the reader imagine themselves in the role, which is exactly what you want.
Focus on What Actually Matters
Be Transparent About Pay and Benefits
Today’s candidates want clarity. If you don’t include a salary range, you risk losing qualified applicants who assume the worst or don’t want to waste their time. List the compensation package, bonuses, insurance, PTO, and any perks that set your company apart.
Describe a Day in the Life
What does this job look like in real life? Candidates want to know what they’ll be doing on a daily basis, not just a list of generic responsibilities. Use plain language to describe the core tasks, team structure, and success metrics. For example: “You’ll spend most mornings processing incoming orders and responding to customer questions via email and phone. In the afternoons, you’ll coordinate with our warehouse to ensure timely deliveries.”
Highlight the Impact
People want meaningful work. If this role helps customers solve problems, supports a larger mission, or drives real results, say so. Even a warehouse job can be framed as mission-critical when you explain how it contributes to a bigger picture.
Make It Easy to Apply
Cut the Clutter
Skip the outdated or unnecessary requirements like “Must be proficient in Microsoft Word” or “Must be able to sit for long periods.” Focus on skills that actually matter in the role. Prioritize your must-haves and remove the fluff. If something can be trained on the job, don’t make it a barrier to entry.
Design for Mobile
More than half of job seekers apply on their phones. If your application process involves long forms, slow-loading pages, or file uploads that don’t work on mobile, you’re losing candidates. Use platforms that are optimized for mobile and streamline the process to just a few clicks if possible.
Include Clear Next Steps
Don’t leave applicants wondering what happens after they click “Submit.” Add a line like, “Qualified candidates will be contacted within 3 business days for a phone screening,” or “Our hiring team reviews applications weekly.” Setting expectations builds trust and encourages follow-through.
Turn Interest Into Action
A well-crafted job listing doesn’t just fill seats—it attracts people who are aligned with your company’s values, understand the role, and are ready to contribute.
Think of it this way: if your job post were a billboard on a busy highway, would anyone hit the brakes? Or would they keep driving? The best job descriptions don’t just inform—they stand out, connect, and convert.
Your Next Great Hire is Out There—Make Sure They Notice You
At Halpin Staffing Services, we specialize in helping businesses craft job listings that cut through the noise. Whether you’re hiring entry-level staff or executive leaders, our team knows how to highlight what matters most to today’s job seekers.
If your current listings aren’t getting the results you want, it might be time for a refresh. Let us help you build descriptions that bring in the right candidates, not just more resumes.
Contact Halpin Staffing today to get started.
