Search engines like Google and Bing, along with job boards, are an important aspect of the hiring process. However, if you’re not making an effort to make job postings more searchable, then the top candidates won’t be able to find you.
As one of the leading staffing agencies in South Florida, we can tell you that ensuring your job postings get “found” is all about using the right keywords. Too many times, employers will use keywords and phrases that are specific to their company, but that the average candidate may not use…even if they’re searching for the exact kind of position you’re offering. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework ahead of time – and research keywords and phrases – before posting your job online.
So how do you go about doing that? Here are some tips:
- Use online tools to brainstorm. One of the easiest places to start is simply by beginning to type in keywords and phrases into a search engine and look for the suggestions that appear below. Another tool to use that’s free is Google Adwords. You can type in your keywords and phrases and then the tool will make suggestions for similar or alternate ones.
- Include variations. For instance, if you’re hiring a receptionist, consider including keywords like “administrative assistant” and “secretary,” as well.
- Use complete spellings and abbreviations. Looking to hire a User Experience Designer? Then use both “UX Designer” and “User Experience Designer” in your job posting.
- Get local. To further optimize your job postings, be sure to add the location of your position. For example, if you’re hiring an account executive in South Florida, then be sure to include a phrase like “South Florida account executive” in your job posting.
- Edit your list. By the time you finish brainstorming, you may have a few too many keywords and phrases. If this is the case for you, then prioritize your list. Focus on the top three to five words and phrases that are most searched and use those.
One word of advice: Don’t saturate your job posting copy with keywords; simply sprinkle them throughout the copy. It’s a pointless exercise if a job candidate comes across your posting and finds it awkward and hard to read.
Need More Help Writing Job Postings?
If you do, let Future Force know. As one of the leading staffing agencies in South Florida, we’re experts in crafting effective job postings for clients. We can also handle much of the hiring process for you, from writing job descriptions to interviewing and testing candidates. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.