The Candidate Perspective on Nonprofit Job Descriptions

Organizations write job descriptions to highlight skills/knowledge needed to do the work; to set up evaluation/metric criteria to see that the work is getting done; and to establish parameters around the work focus area.

But what about the candidates?  All of the work we do on a job description has to appeal to potential candidates.  When they read a job description what do they see?

In talking with candidates, here’s what we’ve seen:

-Can this position actually be done in the time allocated?
-Are the requirements of the position so specific I won’t have any control over my own work?  Are they so broad I don’t know what the expectations are or what success looks like?
-After following the link to the organization website:  what will I learn about the organization?
-Based on my current skills/employment:  can I “see” myself at this organization?
-In comparison to my current position:  is the pay better?  are benefits better?  are there opportunities for improving my skills?

From the employer’s side, this perspective is very helpful!  Who are you recruiting?  Why should they be interested in this position?  What are you offering in comparison to the market?  Are you clear on what you want versus what you need to be successful?