Job descriptions are not RFPs
Recruiting, for some folks, is like a root canal -- something to avoid at all costs.
But if your company is going to grow, it will inevitably need to fill new positions, or replace employees who are moving on. Matching a candidate to your specific needs is a chore in any organization. And it's particularly challenging in the highly competitive digital industry, where top talent may be hard to lure -- or may come at too steep a price for your organization to afford.
Fortunately, there are ways to make the process less painful while still attracting the best and brightest this industry has to offer.
Think about the task with these seven tips in mind:
Tip 1: Job descriptions are not RFPs
A common mistake I see in digital industries is the myopic investment in the written document that describes the job, especially if it is written by committee combined with technocrats that find comfort in comparing their job doc to a finely tuned tech RFP. Pass one of these job descriptions on to an HR team member that lacks the passion to find your ideal target, and you've created a recipe for failure.
Instead, visualize the job description as a creative and detailed road sign that will raise the curiosity of the person you are targeting. Use the doc to get the candidate to agree or disagree. You want to engage the person immediately with the idea of coming into your world and bringing changes that can invigorate your process. Potentially, this can be the first test to see if your job description is really what you need for the assignment. If a prime candidate sees some weaknesses in the job description, hopefully they will provide some great ideas on how to redefine the job. This process could provide insights on why the previous person quit/was fired, and what you need to change to attract the right candidate.
Another weakness in some job descriptions is failing to clearly communicate the key message, in a style and language that answers this big question: Why will great creative talent really want to work here? Communicate the ideas your company represents and provide details on your company's unique perspective of your market. Tell how your employees collaborate and create great conversations with your clients and customers. Give examples of what you are you doing that make working on your team irresistible with the best talents in the digital industries.
