Job Descriptions – Show, Don’t Tell

A job description recently landed in my inbox.  It was a unique opportunity! (Naturally.)  Followed by a lengthy description of the product being built and the initial customers.  All of which is fine, but let’s pretend it’s a cocktail party.

The guy that just sidled up to you loves himself.  He can’t stop talking about his new jacket.  It’s so unique, so expensive, so sought after.  He barely stops to acknowledge that you are there.  He may ask you a question or two but they’re likely leading questions that get him onto a topic he wants to talk about again.  How long before you excuse yourself to ‘get another drink?’

photo by dandy_fsj

So it goes with job descriptions.  We’re selling, selling, selling.  But we’re really damn boring.  In our efforts to differentiate ourselves with words we wind up sounding exactly like everyone else.

• Whose company isn’t ‘unique?’
• Whose company doesn’t want someone who can handle a ‘fast-paced environment?’
• Whose company doesn’t want someone ‘with a good sense of humor?’

Instead, think a little deeper about the skills and values you want the person to have.  Then write the job description so it has the same attributes.

Need analytical skills?  Throw in a Sudoku.

Want someone who values creativity?  Include a brain teaser.

There is no rule that says our job descriptions have to put the reader to sleep.  If you truly want someone with a sense of humor have them send you a creative headline to a funny picture when they submit a resume.

There is more to a job than the skills we bring.  We’ll wind up spending more time with the new hire than we will with our spouses.  It’s important that we choose well.  Listing skills gets us so far, but finding the people that mesh well with the existing team and processes is vital.

But, garbage in, garbage out.  Have your applicant pool self-select based on how you’ve written the job description.  I don’t mean by saying that you are looking for ’5-7 years experience doing XYZ.’  That’s never followed.  I mean by actually putting your values and requirements into the job description itself.  Just like elementary school English – show, don’t tell.

If you’re looking for an example of a great job description, check out this one for a burger joint in New Zealand called Murder Burger.

No related posts.