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Chapter 3 of 10

Write a job description and promote it

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Small business guides > A complete guide to hiring staff > Write a job description and promote it

Write a job description and promote it

Hiring is a lot like matchmaking. You’re searching for the ideal employee, but job seekers are also looking for the right employer, job, and workplace for them. To find the perfect fit, you need to write a job description that stands out from the crowd.

Anatomy of a job description

Let’s say there’s a cake shop, Custom Delights, which bakes made-to-order cakes for any occasion. The business is growing and they’ve decided to hire a cake decorator to help out with designing their cakes.

Here’s an example of what the job description for their cake decorator role would look like:

Anatomy of a job description

Consider setting up a separate email account for job applications so they don’t get mixed up with important business emails. It also makes it easier for you to sort through applications later on.

Make your job description inclusive

When you write a job description, be inclusive. Use thoughtful language so you don’t run the risk of discrimination or breach diversity and equality laws. Think about accessibility for people with disabilities or other health conditions. Consider ways to accommodate those who are caring for a child, a sick or elderly member of their family, or people in similar circumstances.

For more information, visit the page on equal opportunity and diversity and the Australian Human Rights Commission page on preventing discrimination in recruitment.

10 ideas to promote your job description

Now you’ve written an outstanding job description, it’s time to let the world know. Get the word out using any of these options:

  1. Your website
    Post the full job description on your website in a place that’s logical and easy to find.
  2. Referrals from existing employees, business partners, or clients
    Ask your existing employees, business partners, or clients if they know any candidates that might fit the job description. It would be even better if they’ve worked with them – they can provide insights based on those experiences – and candidates may come highly recommended.
  3. Your company’s social media accounts
    Post a short and engaging version of your job description with a link to the full version on all of your company’s social media accounts.
  4. Your personal social media accounts
    You may have a family member or a friend of a friend within your social network who suits the position you’re looking for. Post an ad similar to what you’ve posted on your company’s social media accounts but include a personal touch to it. Consider this option only if you’re comfortable hiring family or friends and letting them go if things turn out badly. You’ll need to separate your personal relationship from your professional one and treat them like you would any other employee.
  5. Trade and industry associations
    Post jobs in industry journals, trade magazines, or association websites if the job you’re hiring for is specific to an industry or requires certain trades or skills.
  6. Local community groups or business organisations
    Posting jobs in local community group boards or business organisation websites can be a great way to attract top local talent.
  7. Local government agencies
    Work with a local government agency that helps people who are unemployed find jobs. You can inform them of your vacancies and they can assist you with finding a suitable candidate.
  8. Universities
    If you’re looking for specific degrees or qualifications, posting on university and alumni association job boards is the way to go.
  9. Job boards
    Job boards usually charge fees, but it might be worth looking into them if you’re having trouble finding good candidates through any of the options mentioned above. You might also get a large volume of applications, and it takes time to sort through all of them.
  10. Recruitment agencies
    Recruitment agencies are an even costlier option than job boards. But if you have the budget, it might be more efficient to outsource the recruitment process to recruiters or agencies.

Chapter 4: The selection process – from interview to job offer

Choosing the top candidate is hard work. We take you through the selection process, from how to do interviews to creating a job offer letter.

Read chapter 4
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