Drafting an appealing nursing job description is the key to getting more candidate traffic to fill your staff openings. When you create compelling nursing job descriptions you engage the jobseeker right away. So what is the key to creating such an ad?
Many jobseekers are drawn to the ads that are clear and to the point. Accurate descriptions of duties and a brief summary of what to expect should also be included.Use terms which are easily understood by the nursing jobseeker. Here are our tried and true suggestions for drafting the most appealing nursing job descriptions.
State the Position in Clear and Accurate Terms
While you may be tempted to wax on about your organization and the benefits to the fortunate candidate who lands the nursing job, clarity is key. State exactly what you’re looking for and avoid vague nursing job descriptions. For example, forgo the title “Caring Professional” and instead state the type of professional you need such as “Experienced LPN” or “Senior RN”. That ensures the jobseeker is the right fit.
Include a Concise but Accurate Summary of The Job
Remember that concise and to the point will engage the potential candidate much more quickly than superlatives. Here is a rundown of what include in your clear and accurate job summary:
- The location of your healthcare facility
- The focus of your organization
- The staff position for which you’re advertising
- Basic description of what the job entails
- Basic schedule
- Benefits of working for your organization
Try to avoid any buzzwords and instead include examples of work opportunities, scheduling options, workplace culture and the facility’s environment.
List Duties and Expectations
List out the duties and expectations of the job in bullet points. Avoid getting too detailed. You can do that as the interview progresses. Instead describe the position in broad terms and describe, briefly, how the staff role fits in with your organization. This alerts the jobseeker to the value your organization places on the role.
Include Negotiable and Non-Negotiable Aspects of The Job
When drafting the most appealing nursing job descriptions be sure to include those non-negotiable qualifications such as education, licensure and certifications, work experience, credentials and those skills you require and those that are required by the state. Include any soft skills you believe are crucial to the job.
After listing those non-negotiable requirements, move on to those qualities and skills you would like in a candidate but which aren’t mandatory. This can include skills acquired in previous positions as well as those they may learn on the job with your organization.
Include Salary Range and Mention Benefits
This is where transparency really comes into play. Today’s nursing jobs environment is highly competitive and the more transparent you are before the interview the less likely you are to waste anyone’s time-including your own. Again, keep it broad and bullet point your benefits as they apply. Include such items as salary range or hourly rate, flexible scheduling, insurance options, childcare if offered, retirement benefits and career advancement opportunities.
Proofread and Include a Call to Action
Once you’ve given your candidate ample information to get the process started be sure to wrap up with an invitation to apply for the nursing job. Wrap up with a few words to proceed to the next step and a link so they may connect with the hiring manager, submit their resume and a basic nursing job application.
Proofread your appealing nursing job descriptions before you publish them. You don’t want to turn off your candidates with glaring mistakes.
For more help in creating the most appealing nursing job descriptions and getting traffic to your organization reach out to BOS Medical Staffing today.