This document provides 5 fast fixes for improving copywriting skills as a recruiter. The fixes are: 1) Write content as you would say it out loud, using a conversational tone. 2) Focus on the reader by using "you" before "we". 3) Frame job features as benefits to appeal to what matters most to candidates. 4) Use a breezy format with short sentences and paragraphs for easy reading. 5) Make the next step, such as applying for a job, as simple as possible to improve likelihood of action. Applying these techniques can help recruiters improve how they write various types of content like job postings, emails, social media updates and more.
6. Recruiting
= copywriting
user curious about your
company
Good copy gets the career
site visitor to look at
openings
Good copy gets someone to
do something
Good copy gets the
potential applicant to apply
Good copy gets the
candidate to seriously
consider your company
Good copy gets the hiring
9. web designer, bookkeeper,
florist shop assistant,
government clerk, grad
school admin, fine china
salesman, urban gardener,
shoe salesman, receptionist,
health insurance
representative, fast food
cook, bagel seller, ice cream
scooper, beekeeper,
maintenance person at a
maximum-security prison
10. web designer, bookkeeper,
florist shop assistant,
government clerk, grad
school admin, fine china
salesman, urban gardener,
shoe salesman, receptionist,
health insurance
representative, fast food
cook, bagel seller, ice cream
scooper, beekeeper,
maintenance person at a
maximum-security prison
I am
a copywriter
17. ➊
Write it like
you’d say it
BEFORE
Any candidates that receive
an offer of employment will
be required to complete a
background check.
18. ➊
Write it like
you’d say it
BEFORE
Just so you know:
Everyone who gets a
job offer goes through a
background check.
19. ➊
Write it like
you’d say it
BEFORE
If no current listings match
your qualifications, submit a
general application for
consideration on future
openings.
20. ➊
Write it like
you’d say it
AFTER
Don’t see a job for you?
Apply anyway.
We’ll automatically consider
you for future openings.
26. ➋
Talk about “you”
before “we”
BEFORE
We’re hiring a
senior engineer at
ACME Tech and I noticed
your credentials match our
requirements …
27. ➋
Talk about “you”
before “we”
AFTER
Your credentials match the
software engineer opening
here at ACME Tech…
28. ➋
Talk about “you”
before “we”
BEFORE
How does our product work?
Analytics, algorithms,
modeling, and data
management are key.
29. ➋
Talk about “you”
before “we”
AFTER
How does our product work?
Analytics, algorithms,
modeling, and data
management are key.
That’s where you come in,
Amira.
43. ➍
Format for
breezy reading
BEFORE
At this time, we have filled
all openings for this position.
However, we are continuing
to actively hire and update
our listings. We encourage
you to apply for any
positions that interest you.
44. ➍
Format for
breezy reading
AFTER
The position is now filled.
We’re still hiring lots, though.
Keep watching our website
for new listings.
Apply again!
45. ➍
Format for
breezy reading
BEFORE
Qualifications include two
years experience in a talent
acquisition capacity,
familiarity with introductory
social media and
internet-based candidate
sourcing methodologies,
experience utilizing
enterprise-level applicant
tracking systems, and a
46. ➍
Format for
breezy reading
AFTER
You’ve got 2+ years in
talent acquisition. Know the
sourcing basics. Can find
your way around an
enterprise ATS.
Important: You’re a team
player.
57. ➎
Make the
next step easy
AFTER
87% of employees would
recommend working here to
friends.
Discover why.
58. ➎
Make the
next step easy
HOW
What action do you want?
Can you:
Break out a first step?
Reduce the effort needed?
Increase the appeal?
59. ➊
Write it like you’d say it
➋
Talk about “you” before “we”
➌
Turn features into benefits
➍
Format for breezy reading
➎
Make the next step easy
5 fast writing fixes
for recruiters
60. Copywriting
for recruiters
Bring the
hands-on workshop
to your team
➊
Fast writing fixes
➋
Use structure to persuade
➌
Write JDs, emails & social
➍
Tackle problems & bad news
➎
Shortcuts & tools