The Ides of March Are Upon Us!!

It's crazy to think that it's already March, and not just March, but this week is the middle of the month. In fact, the year is moving so quickly that I missed my February publication of this highly educational, or at least entertaining, newsletter. In this edition, you'll find a couple pieces of good information. The first is highly informative, and covers a the initial phase of the hiring process, which is drafting a solid job description/job posting. The second is just a bit silly, and discusses the phrase, "Beware the Ides of March". Hopefully you can pull a few nuggets out of this one to keep you coming back for more!

WRITING A JOB DESCRIPTION THAT WILL INCREASE TOP-TIER TALENT APPLICATIONS 3x AND IMPROVE EMPLOYEE RETENTION BY 200%

?A well-crafted job description is one of the fundamental tools that help an organization attract top talent. It serves as the initial point of contact between a company and potential candidates, so it's essential to make a positive and lasting impression. One thing that we have found, which is extremely interesting is that if you put the candidate first, the talent that it attracts is a higher caliber, and the retention is much improved. Additionally, use quantitative data wherever possible, as it is a differentiator and attracts attention. Below are key elements to include in a job description to gain the attention of the very best candidates.

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Utilize a Clear Job Title

The job title should accurately reflect the role and level of responsibility while being attractive and appealing to potential candidates. Avoid internal jargon and overly generic titles that might be misleading or confuse candidates. Always use industry-standard terminology where possible.

?Job seekers often search for positions utilizing specific job titles for several reasons, but the most important being that the job title sets the expectations regarding the level of responsibility, seniority, and role within the organization. They can quickly identify if this is a role that aligns with their skillset and experience to decide whether to pursue the opportunity.

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Compelling Summary of the Position

Start with a concise snapshot of the role’s purpose and its contribution to the organization’s goals. You’ll want to highlight the primary objectives, key responsibilities, and any secondary job functions that are of note. Make sure that it is engaging and grabs the attention of top talent. Be sure to include the geographical location of this role.

An effective summary acts as a window into the role and the company. It provides candidates with essential information that helps them to understand how they will fit into the organization and contribute to its success. This is a very important piece to persuade them to apply for the role if they are a good fit.

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Detailed List of the Key Responsibilities

Provide a comprehensive list of essential duties and tasks that the role entails in order of significance. Highlight any special projects, leadership opportunities, or areas for innovation to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the position. It’s best to use bullet points for clarity.

Knowing the key responsibilities upfront helps manage a candidate’s expectations about the role and reduces the likelihood of future surprises or disappoints. They also provide insight into the level of autonomy and/or authority that this position holds.

Qualifications & Skills

Clearly outline the essential qualifications, skills, certifications, and experience required for the role. Enumerate technical, soft, and leadership skills that are pertinent to the role. Differentiate between "must-have" and "nice-to-have" qualifications to attract qualified candidates while being realistic about expectations.

These items serve as a checklist for candidates to evaluate their own qualifications against the employer’s needs. It also provides them with specific information and allows them to position themselves appropriately, highlighting relevant experience and expertise.

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Compensation & Benefits Information

Start by listing the salary range…do your homework and be sure that it is commensurate with the role and industry standards. Provide detailed information on the benefits package, which often include health insurance, retirement plans, and other “perks” such as wellness programs and flexible scheduling (if applicable). Potential career advancement with the organization should also be pointed out.? Top talent is often seeking opportunities that have a development program and upward mobility.

?Salary range is extremely important as an outward facing document. It displays transparency and builds trust from the outset of the relationship. Additionally, it helps to weed out potential candidates if they are qualified, but the roles wages don’t meet their needs. This section allows candidates to weigh the entire package, ie, the base salary might be a bit lower than their needs, but the on-target earnings and benefit package are in-line. Without the full picture, candidates cannot make an educated decision.

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Brief Overview/Introduction to the Company

Briefly introduce the company, its mission, values, and culture. Showcase why top talent would want to work there. Be sure to mention any awards, accomplishments, perks, or unique company qualities that set the company apart. We have found that adding quantitative information in the company introduction and position summary creates excitement among candidates. Items such as annual revenue and employee retention stats are great items that grab a candidates attention.

Potential candidates might not have any prior knowledge about your company and maybe even the industry, so this is your chance to give them your elevator pitch and drive interest. This summary allows them to self-assess their compatibility with important factors such as missions and values, company size, market position, and any other unique attributes. You should provide them with enough information to whet their appetite and allow them to further research on their own if interested.

Application Process & Equal Opportunity Statement

The goal here is to make it as easy as possible for candidates to apply. Clearly outline the application process and remove any ambiguity. Mention any specific requirements or documents that you might need, the most common of which is a resume. Ensure that you have added contact information for submittals. Finally, be sure to include a statement regarding equal opportunity hiring practices.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES, "BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH" MEAN?

?Is it a caution against March madness sales? Maybe a cryptic clue to wear green on St. Paddy's Day to avoid those pesky pinches? Fear not, for I shall reveal the truth!

The "Ides" of March refers to the 15th of March in the Roman calendar. "Ides" were markers used to reference the middle of each month, originally pegged by the phases of the moon. The Romans didn't just throw a dart at a lunar calendar and call it a festival (which, honestly, doesn't sound like a bad idea); they were methodical about their timekeeping, even if their methods seem ridiculous in today's world.

Now, why should one "beware" of this seemingly harmless date? It's because on the Ides of March in 44 BC, Julius Caesar, the Roman general and dictator who was known for his unique fashion sense, was dramatically assassinated by his own senators at a meeting of the Senate. Basically, it was the ultimate "Et tu, Brute?" backstabbing moment....literally.

The phrase "Beware the Ides of March" was immortalized by none other than William Shakespeare, in his play "Julius Caesar." In this masterpiece, a town-folk issues the ominous warning to Caesar, which, spoiler alert, Caesar scoffs at and eventually lives to regret, but not for long.

It’s a tale worth remembering, but let's be honest, you're more likely to celebrate with a Caesar salad than a toga party. So, carry on with your daily scroll, and rest easy knowing that you were just blessed with a comical history lesson, full of facts and theatrics!

IN CLOSING.....

I hope that you've enjoyed this month's edition of Crafted Connections! I truly love developing a deeper connection with all of my contacts, but personal and in the LinkedIn world. If you ever want to chat about industry trends, developing a hiring process, or just grab a coffee or round of golf, hit me up! I'm not hard to find, and almost always available! Until next time, here's a little recruiter humor for you in-light of the recent Oscars.