By Maja Feher
A dog-friendly office in a charming part of town, a ping-pong table, a gym with a shower, healthy snacks, and casual Fridays—we’ve all come across those enticing job ads that make most of us want to work for a company right away.
But what about remote jobs? What sets them apart, aside from the obvious advantage of being remote? In an era where ‘working from home’ is no longer a rare perk, how can companies that exclusively offer remote positions stand out and attract top talent?
After reviewing numerous remote job postings over the years, we’ve gathered insights into what makes a remote job description REALLY popular. And no, it’s not just about including an outstanding perk that no one has thought of before (though that could be a cool addition).
It all starts with showing respect for a potential candidate's time, which is demonstrated through several essential characteristics of job description writing.
Clarity and Easily Accessible Key Information
Job searching can often be a time-consuming process for both job seekers and recruiters. To streamline this experience and minimize frustration, it is crucial to ensure that job postings are crafted as effectively as possible, meeting the needs of both parties. This is especially true when it comes to remote job descriptions.
The first step to save time for both recruiters and job seekers is to make essential information—such as geographic restrictions, salary details, and the type of contract sought—clear and prominently visible.
According to ladders.com, candidates spend an average of 49.7 seconds deciding whether a position is a good fit when it isn't, and 76.7 seconds when it is. Clearly stating this vital information allows both parties more time to focus on other crucial aspects of the job posting.
Similarly, salary is a key factor for nearly 1 out of 4 job seekers. Clearly communicating the salary range for the position is essential. Failing to do so may result in investing time in a seemingly ideal candidate, only to discover that the offered salary is a deal-breaker for them—or vice versa.
The most successful remote job postings prioritize displaying information about location, salary, and employment contract type right at the beginning. This saves valuable time for potential candidates and recruiters, reducing the number of applicants who may not be interested or suitable once these key criteria are revealed—and making the job posting very popular.
Setting Clear Expectations
Ensuring that every aspect of the role is described in detail is essential for providing potential candidates with a comprehensive understanding of their expected responsibilities within a given timeframe. Clearly outlining the professional and personal skills required for the role is equally crucial.
It is essential to strike a balance, avoiding both exaggeration and underestimation of the skills required for optimal performance. Additionally, using inclusive language is vital for attracting diverse candidates and ensuring that your job description resonates with a broader audience.
In the words of John Anderton, CEO of Butterfly: “When hiring talent, truly understand the job role, your company culture, and what it takes to succeed in the role. Then create a job posting that stands out and a recruitment process that attracts top talent.‘
Many recruiters find themselves rewriting job postings due to a flood of applications from candidates who are unsuitable for the role. Clearly defining the target candidate profile and articulating precise expectations helps minimize this problem.
By creating a job description that accurately reflects the role's demands and requirements, recruiters can attract candidates who are a good fit for the position.
Establish Clear Expectations for Remote Work
Even within the realm of remote jobs, there are nuances that can either attract applicants or turn them off, regardless of whether they meet the required qualifications. Therefore, it is essential that the job description explicitly outline these appealing or potentially deal-breaking aspects.
It’s essential to communicate the company’s approach to remote work. For example, if the organization operates in a flexible manner, prioritizing task completion and business functionality over strict schedules, and if working hours are flexible, be sure to make that clear.
Clearly state whether the company refrains from holding regular team meetings and downplays the importance of fostering employee relationships within a formalized corporate culture.
Conversely, if the company views remote work as an opportunity for employees to occasionally visit the office at their discretion—organizing engaging activities such as mystery lunches and after-work gatherings for those in the area, holding daily team meetings, and fostering strong internal relationships—this should be explicitly stated in the job posting.
This information is crucial for potential candidates to determine whether the company’s approach to remote work aligns with their personal preferences and expectations. By providing this clarity from the outset, the job description serves as a guide for candidates, helping them make more informed decisions.
Highlighting Candidate Benefits
When evaluating a potential workplace, candidates are naturally curious about what the company has to offer them. This is the perfect opportunity to highlight the unique benefits of remote work, much like how traditional offices might tout a “dog-friendly environment” or other similar amenities.
Candidates value transparency regarding benefits such as insurance policies, retirement plans, and generous time off or parental leave. Including these details in the job posting informs potential hires about the tangible benefits they will receive and provides insight into the company’s commitment to employee well-being—a crucial factor in understanding its culture.
Beyond standard benefits, additional perks can make a job description stand out. Consider highlighting features such as asynchronous work options, periods during which candidates can work from anywhere, home office allowances, mental health support, or any other creative offerings developed by the recruiting team.
These added benefits make the job description more appealing and demonstrate the company’s commitment to creating a supportive and attractive work environment.
In a competitive job market, highlighting the benefits package right from the initial job posting can significantly help your company stand out among numerous listings and attract top-tier candidates.
Exploring Advanced Job Ad Promotion Strategies
Last but certainly not least, even if you’ve covered all the key aspects in your job description, there may be instances where you don’t achieve the desired visibility. In such cases, it’s worth considering using your budget to boost the visibility of the job posting on the platform where it’s posted.
Here at Remotive, we offer a range of advanced visibility options designed to boost job postings, ensuring they reach a wider audience and attract more candidates. Investing in these promotion strategies can be a strategic move, especially in competitive job markets, as it maximizes the exposure of your job opening and increases the likelihood of reaching top talent.