Hiring Hacks: 4 tips for calling out benefits in your job descriptions

Crafting an effective job description is crucial for attracting workers to your organization. While highlighting the job responsibilities and requirements is important, it’s equally essential to call out the benefits of the position. Pay may seem like the most important factor in job descriptions, but the benefits are the icing on the cake.

Emphasizing the perks and advantages of working for your company can significantly increase the job's appeal and attract high-quality applicants. What benefits should you call out, and how do you properly communicate that? 

Here are four tips on effectively calling out benefits in your job descriptions. 

Prioritize key benefits 

Supplemental pay

Pay is one of the most important factors applicants consider when choosing a job opportunity. So if you have benefits that can add to their paycheck or save money, highlight them boldly in your job description.  

These benefits could include free meals during their shift (essentially a $10-$15 bonus), friends and family discounts, or even bonuses and tip shares. These perks will be key in motivating an applicant to consider the job, especially if your organization cannot offer the most competitive wage rate.   

Flexibility 

Remember that everyone has lives outside of work, and an employer who can offer flexibility can be more appealing than one who doesn’t. Flexible hours attract applicants and improve retention, effectively reducing turnover rates. 

Make your flexible policies stand out in your job description. If you have an on-call calendar for rescheduling during emergencies or are willing to customize schedules according to your employees’ needs, be sure to mention that. 

Work-life balance has also become increasingly important for job seekers. According to a survey by FlexJobs, 82% of respondents identified work-life balance as the most crucial factor when considering a new job. Emphasize flexible work arrangements or paid time off policies that promote a healthy work-life balance. 

Employee well-being initiatives 

Companies that prioritize employee well-being often see improved productivity and engagement. According to a survey by SHRM, 61% of employees consider their organization’s wellness offerings when deciding whether to stay with the company. 

If your organization offers wellness programs, mental health support, or other well-being initiatives, be sure to mention them in the job description. 

Other attractive benefits 

Identify and highlight other valuable benefits your company offers prominently in the job description. Applicants are particularly interested in benefits like health insurance, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and positive work culture. 

Ensure these benefits are clearly mentioned early in the description to capture applicants’ attention. 

Call out growth opportunities

In today’s highly competitive job market, applicants value opportunities for growth and advancement. Additionally, among employees considering leaving their jobs, 41% choose to do so due to a lack of advancement opportunities, compared to 30% who mentioned pay. This means that career advancement opportunities are deemed more important to employees and should be included in the job description. 

Highlight the various career growth opportunities your organization offers, such as training programs, mentorship initiatives, or potential career paths available within your organization. For example, a new employee can become a shift lead within the first six months. 

It shows that you’re looking to fill the position for a long time and reinforces that you’re willing to reward your employees for doing so. It also demonstrates that you’re invested in the professional development of your employees, which can help attract ambitious applicants seeking long-term growth. 

Use specific language

Phrases like “great atmosphere” and “lots of growth potential” are overused and don’t give applicants real information about the work environment. Be specific about the growth potential by stating timelines or examples of growth opportunities. Instead of “competitive salary,” specify the salary range or mention performance-based bonuses or incentives. This helps applicants understand the tangible benefits they can expect from the role. 

Additionally, it’s OK to include your company history and philosophy but keep it concise. Your employees want to work for a mission-driven company, but it's far less important than working somewhere where they're fairly compensated for their hard work and dedication.

Provide a comprehensive benefits summary

Toward the end of the job description, provide a concise summary of all the benefits offered by your organization. This could include healthcare plans, retirement savings options, paid time off, employee discounts, and other unique perks. 

A comprehensive benefits summary ensures that applicants understand the total compensation package clearly, reiterates important points that may stand out to them, and motivates them to apply. 

The ability to create enticing job descriptions is key to attracting qualified applicants. By incorporating the tips above, you can effectively communicate the advantages of working for your company—beyond pay. Highlighting work-life balance and professional development opportunities will further enhance the job's appeal, while a comprehensive benefits summary nicely wraps everything up.