Struggling to Attract Quality Candidates? Here’s One ChatGPT Prompt That Will Transform Your Job Descriptions

Once upon a time, in a not-so-far-off land of business, there was a writer of job descriptions, a noble profession that had seen better days.

For ten years, I was that writer, the leader, churning out new role job descriptions with the enthusiasm of a robot on autopilot. Think of the driest toast you've ever had, and you're getting close.

These job descriptions were a testament to monotony.

Imagine reading: "Wanted: Person. To do a job. In an office. Benefits include air to breathe and a chair, occasionally."

Candidates probably thought they were applying for a role in a dystopian novel rather than a job. I continued in this uninspired vein, blissfully unaware that my words were as motivating as a sloth's gym instructor.

Then, enlightenment struck!

Not from a wise guru atop a mountain but from understanding the roles I was hiring for. Revolutionary, I know. I started crafting job descriptions that didn't just talk about the job but the results and the ideal candidate I was looking to hire.

Suddenly, it was less about "seeking a human with a pulse" and more about detailing the expectations of each role with precise accuracy.

The transformation was staggering.

Turns out, a pinch of passion and a dash of understanding could turn the mundane job listing into a beacon for the extraordinary.

And they say magic doesn't exist in HR!

The challenge for many small business leaders and owners isn't just finding candidates but attracting the right ones.

The secret?

It lies in how you present the opportunity. A job description is not just a list; it's the first impression of your company's culture and values.

So, how do you harness the power of AI to create job descriptions that are informative and inspirational?

Step 1: Drafting the Job Requirements

Before you can hire AI to write a job description for you, you must fully understand the role and its expectations.

You'll give ChatGPT these details to write the perfect job description.

First, describe the specific role responsibilities:

• What specifically will this person do?

• What are the key results expected from this person?

• What does a great performance in this role look like?

• How will you measure, track, and evaluate their performance?

Second, develop your ideal candidate profile:

Who would this person need to be to succeed in this role? List them out:

• Skills

• Experiences

• Qualities

• Other Criteria

Considering everything you've laid out, what 3-5 "Must-Haves" are essential and non-negotiable in your chosen candidate? List them out:

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Warning: Avoid the trap of generic job descriptions. This is about showcasing your employer brand and attracting the right talent. Invest time in understanding what makes your company unique and the right people you need to thrive as a team.

Step 2: Execute Job Description AI Prompt

With ChatGPT, you can refine your draft idea candidate profile into a compelling narrative. Start by giving the AI a clear picture of your requirements and company culture.

Prompt 1: Setting up ChatGPT

The first prompt is all about giving ChatGPT the initial instructions.

Here it is: 

"Act as an expert in Human Resources and job description writing.

The goal is to draft a job description that motivates and inspires anyone who reads it while also ensuring they know exactly what results they're being hired to achieve and the company's mission, vision, and values.

I will share key sections of the job description with you and the resources you'll use to draft the job description.

Are you ready for the draft job description? If yes, I'll share it with you; then I want you to reply with, 'I'm ready; please attach any other related documents I'll need to write the best job description for this role.'"

Prompt 2: The Job Details & Related Documents

In the second prompt, you will reply to ChatGPT with your ideal candidate profile and attach any related documents that will help you write the job description, like the company playbook, core values, and your job description template.

Here's the second prompt, but you'll need to fill in the details and attach your documents: 

"The Job Details:

Position Summary: •What is the role you are hiring for?

Role and Individual Expectations: 

• What results is this responsibility expected to generate?

• What are the results you are looking for in this role?

• What does success look like?

• What are the non-negotiables?

Key Responsibilities:

• What is this person responsible to do?

Knowledge & Skill Requirements: 

• Are there any specific experiences or skills required to generate the desired results for the role? If so, what are they?

Role KPIs: What key performance indicators will be measured, and for which this role is directly accountable?

Compensation:

-

Attached job docs...

Attachment 1: Job Description Template

Attachment 2: Business Development Playbook, which this role will directly oversee.

Attachment 3: Our sales process

Attachment 4: Company Annual Playbook

Please improve the following job description to motivate current and future employees who will retain this role."

Step 3: Edit the Job Description and Use It Part of Job Ads

Once ChatGPT spits out your draft job description, you're not done.

You'll then spend about 30 minutes editing and refining it. ChatGPT will get a lot of it right, but it's up to you to refine and correct the parts it got wrong.

This isn't pure abdication but rather a job description writing partnership.

One you're now going to use to write job ads that attract the best applicants.

Here's a before and after example of a section of one of my job descriptions:

Original Expectations:

• Managing key accounts and developing account plans tailored to each client.

• Mentoring and guiding sales representatives to achieve their targets.

• Ensuring effective communication within the sales team.

• Focusing on non-managerial tasks to maximize results for key clients.

• Seeking out exclusive contracts and managing key performance indicators.

• Details on compensation and the importance of achieving targets in annual gross profit.

Upgraded Expectations:

• Ability to manage and grow key account relationships to $20,000,000 in revenue.

• Has great business acumen and the ability to be a trusted adviser to clients.

• A visionary leader who sees beyond the numbers, understanding that at the heart of every account is a relationship to be nurtured.

• An excellent communicator who can inspire teams and build trust with clients.

• Someone with a proven track record in managing key accounts and driving sales growth.

• A strategic thinker, able to identify opportunities and tackle challenges with a proactive, positive approach.

The journey from mundane to magnificent job descriptions is not just about attracting candidates; it's about finding the right fit for your team.

With ChatGPT, small B2B business leaders have a powerful ally in this quest.