How can I optimize my job posting?

Want to get more qualified applications for your job posting? The good news: most of the factors that make a difference are part of the posting itself. Here’s what we’ve found works best on Instaffo.

1️⃣ Choose the right job roles

Talents see job postings based on the job roles they’re looking for. So the job role determines who sees your posting in the first place.

• Choose the role that best describes the day-to-day work, not just the internal job title.
• Add related roles if the job fits more than one, such as Key Account Manager in addition to Customer Success Manager. This helps you reach more talents.
• Don’t add roles that aren’t a good fit. That will bring you irrelevant applications.

2️⃣ Include the salary

Job postings that include a salary get up to 3.5x more applications. Talents can immediately tell whether the role is right for them.

• Show the salary range in your job posting.
• Check that your range is in line with the market. If it’s significantly lower, fewer talents will apply.

3️⃣ Clearly separate requirements: must-haves vs. nice-to-haves

The clearer your requirements are, the better talents can assess whether they’re a good fit, and the better the matching will be.

• Only list something as a must-have if it’s truly a deal-breaker.
• Everything else belongs under nice-to-haves.
• Too many must-haves can significantly shrink your talent pool. Review each requirement: would you really reject an otherwise strong candidate because they don’t meet it?

4️⃣ Write an appealing job description

Talents decide within seconds whether to keep reading.

• Start with the most important details: What will the person actually do, who will they work with, and what will they work on?
• Use bullet points instead of paragraphs for responsibilities, requirements, and benefits.
• Be specific rather than generic: “30 days of paid vacation and 2 remote days per week” instead of “attractive benefits.”
• For tech roles: mention your tech stack.
• Clearly state the work location and remote-work policy.
• Use the AI feedback while editing to improve the wording and structure.

5️⃣ Respond to applications quickly

Talents often apply to several companies. If you respond quickly, you’ll have better conversations.

• Check new applications regularly and get back to applicants promptly, even if you’re turning them down.
• A quick response improves the experience for talents and helps your job postings continue to perform well.

6️⃣ Keep your job posting up to date

• If the role has changed, for example, the requirements, salary, or location, update the posting instead of creating a new one.
• Once the role is filled, deactivate the posting so talents don’t apply unnecessarily.

Frequently asked questions

I’m hardly getting any applications. Why?
It’s usually one of these things: your job roles are too narrow, you haven’t listed a salary, or you have too many must-haves. Review steps 1 to 3.

I’m getting lots of applications, but they’re not a good fit. What should I do?
Check whether your job roles are too broad and whether your must-haves are clearly defined. You can also use screening questions to filter applicants in advance.

💡 Tip

Don’t just wait for applications: use the Talent Feed to reach out directly to suitable talents.