Job Descriptions That Attract Star Candidates in Malaysia

Attracting top talents can be challenging. A well-crafted job description can make your company stand out and attract the star candidates you're looking for.

By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM

Updated on 2024-08-09 at 2:32 AM

Attracting The Right Talent in Malaysia With Effective Job Descriptions

Employers, we know hiring is a laborious task. Ease your workload by letting your job description do the initial work for you. Writing effective job descriptions can do wonders to attract quality candidates from the get-go.

5 Easy Ways To Improve Your Job Description

Finding and attracting top-tier candidates can feel like a daunting task for employers. With numerous companies vying for the attention of star candidates, it's essential to make your job openings shine. Utilise these job description writing tips to ensure you attract the right talent in Malaysia:

1. Don’t just describe. Advertise.

In a competitive talent market, recruitment isn’t just about screening candidates. A large part of recruitment nowadays requires marketing know-how. Instead of approaching your job description as a mere – well, description – think of it as an advertisement.

But what’s the difference?

A job advertisement is written to attract more applications. Don’t try to use your job description to screen candidates at this stage, your goal is to attract as many good candidates as possible, not keep them out.

Skip this: “You will be responsible to prepare monthly financial reports for submission to your manager.”

Do this instead: “You will play a key role in preparing important financial information for management to make strategic decisions.”

Angling your job description this way highlights the significance and impact of the role, making it clear to potential candidates why this position is essential. By incorporating this job description writing strategy, you not only set clear expectations but also emphasise the value and contribution the role brings to your company. This simple yet effective change can significantly improve your job descriptions, attracting top candidates who are excited to make a meaningful impact within your organisation. Quality candidates will see the opportunity to grow and thrive, making them more likely to apply for your openings and join your team.

2. Keep it Simple.

It’s no surprise why the tried and true KISS Principle is a favourite amongst designers and marketers alike. The cheeky abbreviation for “Keep It Simple, Stupid” proves that less is more and over at Hiredly, we believe in keeping it 80/20.

Make your job advertisements concise and simple. Try keeping it at a maximum of 4 to 5 responsibilities and requirements.

Think about it: If you can’t explain the job concisely and simply, do you understand the role well enough? If you don’t, then it’s likely the candidate won’t either!

Keeping things simple also requires less time and effort on your end. What’s not to love about this win-win approach?

Clear and concise job descriptions not only improve readability but also enhance the overall effectiveness of your recruitment process, ultimately helping you attract high-quality talent in Malaysia.

3. Highlight the company, not the job.

Candidates don’t just choose jobs – they choose employers they want to work for. It’s the company that makes all the difference amongst a sea of similar job advertisements.

An effective job description writing tip is to include information about what makes you attractive as an employer apart from what the job entails.

Quality candidates do their research so they’ll be snooping around your website, company profile and social media for extra information about you! Spruce up these digital spaces and show off what makes your company a great place to work at.

4. Cast a wide net.

Broaden the requirements for the job as much as possible. Narrow requirements are barriers to application.

Bad candidates don’t read job requirements so you can count on them to apply anyway. Requirements that are too narrow and strict can limit your chances of finding a good quality candidate.

Cast a wider net so you can capture more quality resumes and discover hidden gems you would have missed out on!

5. Direct them to the next action.

Ask any copywriter and they’ll tell you a Call-to-Action (CTA) is one of the best job description writing practices for any posts or advertisements.

Sure, advertising your job on Hiredly comes with a clear “Apply Now” CTA button but sometimes including a quick nudge or instruction at the end of your job description is all it takes to push a quality candidate to take action.

Here are 3 effective CTA ideas to steal:

1. Be specific and let them know what they can expect.

“Click ‘Apply Now’ and we’ll review your application and give you a call within 1 week.”

2. Inject some personality and humanise your CTA.

“If you think you have what it takes, apply now and join us on our mission to make hiring EASY!”

3. Create a sense of urgency.

“Apply now before April 30th to land a job interview with us!”

Crafting an effective job description is crucial for attracting top talent in Malaysia. By using clear language, highlighting key responsibilities, emphasising your company culture, and including a strong call to action, you can create a job description that stands out and draws star candidates to your company. Remember, the goal is to provide a realistic and engaging portrayal of the role and your organisation, making it easier for candidates to envision themselves as part of your team.


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By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM