Writing and Optimizing Job Postings
Best practices for creating compelling job descriptions that attract top talent and improve application rates. Learn to write job postings that stand out and convert.
Essential Job Posting Elements
Clear Job Title
Use specific, searchable titles that candidates actually search for
Example: Senior Frontend Developer (React) instead of "Code Ninja"
Compelling Summary
Start with a brief, engaging overview of the role and company
Example: Join our fast-growing fintech startup as we revolutionize digital payments
Required vs Nice-to-Have
Clearly separate must-have skills from preferred qualifications
Example: Required: 3+ years React experience. Preferred: TypeScript knowledge
Salary Transparency
Include salary range to attract qualified candidates and save time
Example: $90,000 - $120,000 based on experience
Proven Job Posting Template
1. Attention-Grabbing Title
Senior Frontend Developer - React & TypeScript
Remote-First • $90K-120K • Fintech Startup
2. Company Hook (2-3 sentences)
Join TechFlow, the fastest-growing fintech startup revolutionizing digital payments for small businesses. We've raised $50M Series B and are scaling our engineering team to serve 100K+ merchants.
3. Role Summary (3-4 sentences)
We're looking for a Senior Frontend Developer to build beautiful, responsive user interfaces for our payment platform. You'll work closely with our design team to create intuitive experiences for merchants managing their payments and financial data.
4. Key Responsibilities
- • Build and maintain React applications with TypeScript
- • Collaborate with designers to implement pixel-perfect UIs
- • Optimize application performance and user experience
- • Mentor junior developers and contribute to code reviews
5. Requirements & Qualifications
Required:
- • 4+ years React development experience
- • Strong TypeScript skills
- • Experience with modern CSS frameworks
- • Git version control proficiency
Nice to Have:
- • Next.js experience
- • Payment systems knowledge
- • Design system experience
- • Previous fintech experience
6. Benefits & Perks
- • Competitive salary: $90,000 - $120,000 + equity
- • Unlimited PTO and flexible working hours
- • $3,000 annual learning & development budget
- • Top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance
- • Remote-first culture with quarterly team meetups
7. Call-to-Action
Ready to help revolutionize payments for small businesses? We'd love to hear from you! Apply now and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overly Long Requirements List
Keep requirements focused and realistic - aim for 5-7 key skills maximum
Generic Company Description
Highlight what makes your company unique and why candidates should join
Missing Call-to-Action
End with clear next steps and what candidates can expect from the process
No Benefits Information
Include key benefits, perks, and growth opportunities prominently
Job Posting Optimization Checklist
- Job title includes relevant keywords and seniority level
- Company description highlights unique value proposition
- Role responsibilities are specific and action-oriented
- Requirements are realistic and clearly prioritized
- Salary range and benefits are clearly stated
- Clear next steps and application process outlined
- Post is free of bias and inclusive language
- Mobile-friendly formatting and readable length
Measuring Job Posting Performance
Key Metrics to Track
- • Application conversion rate
- • Quality of candidates
- • Time to fill position
- • Source of best candidates
- • Cost per application
Optimization Signals
- • Low application rates → Improve title/summary
- • Poor candidate quality → Refine requirements
- • High drop-off → Simplify application process
- • Salary questions → Add compensation info
- • Generic applications → Make role more specific
Next Steps
Ready to put these principles into practice? Check out these related guides: