How do I share my job description?

To reach the widest audience for your job description, you should use a healthy mix of

• online job sites and classifieds
• social media and
• traditional outlets such as newspaper classifieds, trade journals and local government agencies.

Job Boards

Job boards are useful in maximizing the “eyeballs” that see your job posting. Sites like LinkedIn, Monster, CareerBuilder and Indeed are commonly used. There are also many industry and function specific niche sites as well, some better than others. In addition, craigslist is a fine “catch all” for less senior roles.

Keep in mind that job boards generally attract quantity, but not necessarily quality. It will generate a lot of applicants, but you will need to screen through many unqualified candidates before you find the qualified ones.

Online Classifieds

Though less structured than dedicated jobs sites, online classifieds still reach a wide audience. Craigslist remains the largest example, but many newspapers also maintain separate online classified sites that can be posted to for free. A simple Internet search for “online classifieds” and a popular paper in your area should find good prospects.

Social Media

Social media outlets are a big player in the modern recruiting world. Typically, companies use sites such as Twitter and Facebook to post links to job advertisements on their organizations’ own websites. LinkedIn serves as a hybrid, operating as a traditional social media site while providing its own portal for posting jobs. Depending on the size of your social network, a simple tweet or status update may generate high quality applicants. The quantity of candidates through the social channel is typically lower than job boards, but the quality should be higher.

Traditional Classifieds

Traditional classifieds seen in newspapers and magazines, especially local and regional publications, are still capable of spreading the word about your posting. The New York Times, the Washington Post, and USA Today are the three largest publications with a national audience.

Trade Journals

Trade journals are a promising choice if you’re advertising for a higher-level position or one that requires a unique skill set.

Government Agencies

Most local and state governments maintain sites for online job postings, sometimes in collaboration with official government programs. A simple Internet search for your state or local government’s labor department and “job programs” or “job listings” should find suitable options.

Conclusion

It’s important to make sure you’re posting your job descriptions on a mix of venues to reach a wide audience. By using your best judgment about industry norms, the type of position and your ideal candidate, you can choose a strategy that ensures that you find the right applicants.

Helpful Links:

State Labor Departments – Find your local Department of Labor.

Trade Journals – Find popular trade journals.