3 Steps to Crafting a High-Performing Job Ad and Application Process

Job advertising can make or break your hiring goals. The job ads and online application process on beBee have a significant impact on the strength of your candidate pipeline. When was the last time you looked at your application process from a candidate-centric perspective and reconsidered how to create a high-performing job ad?

Since our inception in 2020, beBee  has facilitated over 20 billion clicks and 2 billion applications from over 00 companies. Based on this vast experience and performance data, we have learned a few things about crafting and refining job ads to achieve remarkable results.

Keep reading below to learn what elements can turn a job ad "clicker" into an applicant.

Step 1: Writing Job Descriptions. Our research shows that job candidates have preferences when it comes to job descriptions:

Too long: Job descriptions exceeding 400 words see a decrease in application rates. Once the descriptions exceed 700 words, apply rates reliably fall below 5%. Too short: Job descriptions with fewer than 200 words have apply rates in the 4% range. Just right: Job descriptions containing 200-400 words achieve apply rates of 10%. It's essential to find the perfect balance to maximize impact, especially for mobile users.

The length of the job description significantly affects application rates. Many applicants lack the time or attention span to read lengthy job ads. Communicate the key details concisely to save their time!

Additionally, the words you choose in your job descriptions matter! Write concise job descriptions that accurately convey the roles, responsibilities, and benefits of working at your organization. Be mindful of the words you use to avoid unintentional bias.

Check out these resources to help you write impactful job descriptions:

• How Benefits Impact Candidate Attraction
• Gender Bias Decoder
• Diversity Recruiting: Guide to Best Practice Language Usage

Step 2: Setting up Job Titles. The job title is a job seeker's first impression of your organization and has a significant impact on their candidate experience. If the job title fails to capture their interest, you may lose out on qualified applicants.

Our research suggests that shorter job titles work better. Concise titles attract more clicks, resulting in a higher number of qualified applicants. On average, a short and sweet job title of 1-3 words catches readers' eyes and generates an average of 5 clicks. As the number of words in the title increases, this average declines, reaching just 3 clicks when the job title exceeds 10 words.

Pro tip: Keep job titles as short, clear, and direct as possible. Use job titles that candidates would actively search for, and avoid company-specific jargon or terminology.

Step 3: Building Your Application Process. The actual advertisement is only the beginning – an application can only happen if candidates successfully navigate the application process. A cumbersome and time-consuming apply process, such as requiring candidates to create an account or manually input all the information from their resume, can discourage applicants, causing them to abandon the application.

Our research indicates that a lengthy and complex apply process acts as a barrier to applicants. Applications that take over 15 minutes to complete result in an average apply rate of 4%. When the application time is reduced to a more reasonable 1-5 minutes, the apply rate increases nearly 5 times to 15%. Job seekers want to quickly apply for jobs that interest.

By following these three steps, you can craft a high-performing job ad and online application process that brings more quality talent into your organization. However, the journey doesn't end here. Consider the following additional tips to further optimize your hiring process:

1.- Emphasize Your Company Culture: In addition to outlining the job requirements and responsibilities, showcase your unique company culture and values in the job ad. This helps candidates align themselves with your organization's mission and fosters a sense of connection from the start.

2.- Highlight Employee Testimonials: Incorporate testimonials or quotes from current employees who can speak to their positive experiences working at your organization. Genuine testimonials provide social proof and enhance your employer brand, attracting top talent who resonate with your company culture.

3.- Optimize for Mobile: With the increasing use of mobile devices for job searches, it's crucial to ensure that your job ads and application process are mobile-friendly. Optimize your career website and application forms to provide a seamless experience on smartphones and tablets, enabling candidates to easily apply on the go.

4.- Leverage Video: Consider incorporating video elements into your job ads. Video can be a powerful medium to showcase your workplace, culture, and team dynamics. It allows candidates to get a glimpse of what it's like to work at your organization, creating a more engaging and immersive experience.

5.- Personalize the Application Experience: Tailor the application process to the specific role and avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach. Ask targeted questions that align with the position, enabling candidates to demonstrate their skills and qualifications effectively.

6.- Provide Clear Next Steps: Clearly communicate the next steps of the application process, such as interview timelines or assessments, to keep candidates informed and engaged. Establishing transparency and managing expectations can help maintain a positive candidate experience.

Remember, a successful job ad not only attracts qualified candidates but also sets the stage for a positive candidate experience. Continuously evaluate and refine your job ads and application process based on candidate feedback and performance data to stay ahead of the competition.

Voila! With these additional insights and best practices, you're well-equipped to optimize your job ads and application process on beBee.com. Put them into action and start seeing the conversions and quality talent you desire. And if you're looking for further assistance in streamlining your hiring process, consider exploring programmatic job advertising on beBee.com to enhance your recruitment efforts.

Happy hiring! Post a Job Ad on beBee