How to Attract the Right Candidate Online

The virtual world can be very intimidating and vast to someone who does not know his way around. Just as job seekers are sometimes lost in a sea of job listings, recruiters sometimes find themselves at a loss when it comes to finding the right candidate. Very often, when they post a listing they are flooded by thousands of automatic alerts that match their listing to the available database – but very few match their requirements. How can you word a job listing so that you attract the right candidate?

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  ↵The Key Is in the Keywords You Are Using

Both the database robots and job seekers search for jobs using certain keywords. Hence, if you want to attract the right candidate, you should make sure your job listing features the right kind of keywords. There are two types of searches here, and both are different:



 

1. Automatic Search in the Database - Most job listing websites offer both recruiters and job seekers automatic search alerts that match job postings with candidates who have uploaded their resumes on the site. The automated crawlers look for keywords that match what they are trying to find. Hence, if you are looking for accountants, you need to mention alternative keywords such bookkeeping, banking, finance, auditing, chartered, CPA and so on.
    
2. Job Seekers' Search in the Database - Job seekers, on the other hand, will search for keywords that relate to job descriptions, benefits, responsibilities, and pay. Make sure you have included these in your job listing as well. Mention whether the job is part time, full time, flextime or commuting. Mention benefits, pay, and the job description. The job seeker will look for certain parameters - say, a job that pays well, that features people with certain characteristics, offers certain benefits, etc. besides the name of the particular job.

Other information that will help you reach out to the right candidate:
 

1. Give the job seekers links to information regarding your company from employees' viewpoints. Let them read about what current employees say about the work culture, career advancement opportunities, and benefits.
    
2. Highlight recognitions that show that the company provides a healthy work culture and conducive environment for professional growth. Did your company earn the 'Best Employer of the Year' award? This should be mentioned here.
    
3. Highlight unique benefits that your company offers. Paid holidays, health insurance, children's education allowance, onsite daycare, subsidized meals, etc. are benefits that will attract many deserving candidates. You may not be able to provide a mile long listing, but you could always provide a link with all the details you want the prospective employee to know about.

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