Small businesses compete with big employers for good people. A clear, honest job post is your best tool, and it costs nothing.
1. Use a plain job title
"Residential Painter" beats "Color Ninja". Use the title people actually search for.
2. Lead with pay and schedule
Put the pay range and hours near the top. Several states and cities require pay ranges in job ads, and candidates skip posts without them.
3. Describe a real day
Three to five sentences on what the work actually is, where it happens and who they work with.
4. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves
Only list requirements that are truly needed for the job, such as a driver's license or certain hours. Long wish lists scare off good applicants.
5. Say why someone would want to work for you
Steady work, training, a small team, the tools you provide. Be specific and honest.
6. Make applying easy
A short form or a text number. Tell people when they'll hear back.
Template
{Job title}, {City}
{Pay range}, {hours/schedule}
What you'll do: {2-3 sentences}
You'll need: {3 must-haves}
Nice to have: {2 extras}
Why work with us: {2-3 honest reasons}
How to apply: {link or text number}. We reply within {X} days.
Where AI helps
AI can turn your notes into a clear post, sort applications against your stated requirements and schedule interviews. A person should make every hiring decision.
Words to avoid
- Vague hype: "rockstar", "ninja", "work hard, play hard"
- Anything about age, gender, religion, national origin or other protected characteristics
- "Must be young and energetic" or "recent graduates only"
- Requirements that aren't really needed for the job
Where to post
Popular job boards, your own website's careers page, your Google Business Profile and social pages, local community groups and trade schools. Ask your best employees who they'd recommend.
Screen fairly
Decide your must-have requirements before you read applications, and apply them the same way to everyone. Whether you sort applications yourself or use software, a person should review and make every decision, and you remain responsible for fair hiring under anti-discrimination law.
Questions
Should I include pay in a job post?
Yes. It attracts serious applicants, and some states and cities require it.
Can AI screen job applicants?
It can sort applications against job-related requirements you set and explain why. A person should review applicants and make every decision.