Demand More in Your Online Job Ads
We all agree that job postings are fairly ineffective. A major reason is that they’re almost all poorly written. Louise Fletcher tackles this problem with her recommendations on writing effective online job postings. One of her suggestions is to be more demanding in your job postings:
“Don’t make the application process too easy. Instead of just asking for a resume, include an assignment in your posting.”
This is great advice. Companies can and should do more with their job postings. We like to use the term “Garbage Out, Garbage In” in reference to almost all online job postings.
Some of the response to Louise’s post is also interesting. Jim Durbin, guest writing at JOBMATCHBOX agrees that companies should be more demanding, but they also need to be more responsive.
“If you’re going to revamp your job postings, make sure you revamp the way you respond to them. For example, you might actually try reading all of them”
Jim makes the point that too few companies communicate adequately with job candidates. It’s a combination of being too busy, getting overloaded with resumes, and not having the proper tools to do so. But responding quickly and effectively with candidates - whether you’re going to pursue them or not - can go a long way to improving your overall employer brand. People will be left with a positive image and feeling towards your company. They might be disappointed that you’re not interested in them for a job, but they’ll be more likely to respect and appreciate the company’s openness and willingness to communicate.
The communication I typically get when I post a resume to an online ad? The robot response saying thank you for applying and we’ll figure you out later.
Before a company requires some assignment for submitting to a position, they better state what the response will be. Otherwise, I’d pass.
Perhaps better: require an assignment before the phone interview or the hiring manager interview. Much better timing and at least the candidate knows that you are serious about the position.
Scot - I do like the idea of pre-screening potential applicants with something - be it an assignment or some preliminary questions (to learn more about candidates and scare off people who are spamming employers.)
But I also agree that communication from employers has to be much better, more open and honest.