When it comes to hiring new employees, many companies are adopting a skill-based approach to recruiting. This approach focuses on identifying the specific skills and abilities needed for a particular job, rather than just looking at a candidate's education or work experience. A key element of this approach is creating job descriptions that accurately reflect the required skills and competencies. In this article, we'll explore some best practices for preparing job descriptions for a skill-based hiring approach, backed by research and industry experts.
- Start with a thorough job analysis
Before you start writing a job description, it's important to conduct a thorough job analysis to determine the key skills and competencies required for the role. This involves gathering information from current employees, supervisors, and other stakeholders to understand the daily tasks and responsibilities of the position. Research by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that organizations that conduct job analyses are more likely to hire employees who perform well and stay with the company longer.
- Use clear and concise language
Once you have identified the required skills and competencies for the role, it's time to start writing the job description. Use clear and concise language that accurately reflects the requirements of the job. According to LinkedIn, job descriptions that are between 700-2,000 characters get the most applications. Use bullet points and short sentences to make the job requirements easy to scan.
- Emphasize skills over qualifications
In a skill-based approach to hiring, skills and competencies are prioritized over education or job experience. Therefore, it's important to emphasize the required skills in the job description. Use action-oriented language that describes the specific skills and competencies required for the job, such as "ability to work collaboratively in a team" or "strong problem-solving skills." Research by LinkedIn found that job descriptions that emphasize skills over qualifications are more likely to attract a diverse pool of candidates.
- Be inclusive
To attract a diverse pool of candidates, it's important to use inclusive language in the job description. This includes avoiding gendered language, using neutral job titles, and avoiding discriminatory language. Research by TalentWorks found that using gender-neutral language in job descriptions can increase the number of female applicants by up to 42%. Additionally, using inclusive language can help to create a more welcoming and inclusive workplace culture.
- Be specific about the job requirements
To attract the right candidates, it's important to be specific about the job requirements. This includes outlining the required skills and competencies, as well as any necessary certifications or licenses. Research by Indeed found that job descriptions that include specific job requirements receive 45% more applications. Additionally, being specific about the requirements helps to ensure that candidates are a good fit for the role and reduces the likelihood of turnover.
Include information about company culture and values
To attract candidates who are a good fit for the company, it's important to include information about the company culture and values in the job description. This can include information about the company mission, values, and work environment. Research by Glassdoor found that job seekers are more likely to apply for a job if they feel a connection to the company culture. Additionally, including information about the company culture can help to reduce turnover and increase employee engagement.
In conclusion, preparing job descriptions for a skill-based hiring approach requires a thorough job analysis, clear and concise language, emphasis on skills over qualifications, inclusive language, specific job requirements, and information about company culture and values. By following these best practices, companies can attract a diverse pool of candidates who are a good fit for the job and the company culture.
Sample job descriptions for a data analyst role following the above best practices.
Sample 1
Title: Data Analyst
Company Overview: Our Company is a rapidly growing technology startup that provides innovative solutions for businesses around the world. We are seeking a talented data analyst to join our team and help us drive insights and decision-making through data analysis.
Job Overview: As a Data Analyst, you will be responsible for collecting, processing, and performing statistical analyses on large datasets to help our team make informed business decisions. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify business needs, and deliver impactful insights and recommendations.
Responsibilities:
- Collect and analyze large datasets using various analytical tools and techniques
- Develop and maintain complex data models to support business decision-making
- Create visualizations and reports to communicate findings and insights to stakeholders
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize business needs
- Identify and interpret trends and patterns in data to provide actionable recommendations
- Continuously monitor and evaluate data quality to ensure accuracy and completeness
- Maintain data confidentiality and adhere to data governance policies and procedures
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in data analysis tools and techniques
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science)
- Proven experience as a data analyst or similar role
- Proficiency in SQL and experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Familiarity with Python or R is a plus
At our company, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
If you are a data-driven individual with a passion for problem-solving, we would love to hear from you! Apply today and join our team of talented professionals.
Sample 2
Title: UX Designer
Company Overview: Our company is a leading technology firm that develops innovative solutions for businesses around the world. We are seeking a talented UX designer to join our team and help us create engaging and user-friendly digital experiences.
Job Overview: As a UX designer, you will be responsible for creating and designing digital interfaces and experiences that meet the needs of our users. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to identify user needs, create wireframes and prototypes, and conduct user research to inform design decisions.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify user needs and business requirements
- Create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs using design software such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD
- Conduct user research to inform design decisions and iterate designs based on user feedback
- Create user personas, user flows, and design specifications to guide development teams
- Collaborate with developers to ensure designs are implemented accurately and according to specifications
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in UX design and technology
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or Computer Science)
- Proven experience as a UX designer or similar role
- Proficiency in design software such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD
- Familiarity with user research methodologies such as interviews, surveys, and usability testing
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is a plus
At our company, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
If you are a creative and user-focused individual with a passion for designing digital experiences, we would love to hear from you! Apply today and join our team of talented professionals.
References:
LinkedIn. (2017). How to Write Job Descriptions that Attract Great Candidates. Retrieved from https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/recruiting-tips/2017/how-to-write-job-descriptions-that-attract-great-candidates
Indeed. (2021). How to Write a Job Description. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/how-to-write-a-job-description
Glassdoor. (2020). 5 Tips for Writing a Job Description That Attracts Candidates. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/blog/5-tips-for-writing-a-job-description-that-attracts-candidates/
TalentWorks. (2018). The Top 10 Recruitment Mistakes Costing You The Best Hires. Retrieved from https://talent.works/2018/03/08/the-top-10-recruitment-mistakes-costing-you-the-best-hires/
