Write a Job Post That Attracts More Local Talent

Write a Job Post That Attracts More Local Talent

August 14, 2025

·

5 minutes read

When you’re hiring on Workonward, your job post is your storefront. It’s what local job seekers see first on the map. Just like a shop window, the clearer and more appealing it is, the more people will step inside.

Whether you’re a small café hiring a barista or a large company doing talent acquisition at scale, your listing should be written to both attract applicants and make the recruitment process smoother — especially if you’re using an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) or recruitment CRM to manage applications.

Here’s how to make sure your job title, job description, and posting strategy bring in the right candidates fast.

1. Get the Job Title Right — It’s the Hook

Your job title is the single most important part of your post. Job seekers scan quickly, so it needs to be:

  • Clear and specific — “Barista” works better than “Coffee Enthusiast” because it tells seekers exactly what the role is.

  • Search-friendly — Use words candidates type into job boards. If they’re searching for “Delivery Driver,” don’t call it “Logistics Hero.”

  • Include key details — Adding “Part-Time” or “Evenings” can help match with people who want those schedules.

  • Avoid internal jargon — “Customer Success Specialist II” may make sense in your HR system, but “Customer Support Specialist” will get more clicks.

Better Example:

Instead of: Rockstar Sales Ninja
Try: Retail Sales Associate – Weekends Only

2. Write a Description That Sells the Role

Your title gets them to click, but your job description keeps them reading.
In Workonward’s hyperlocal recruitment world, you’re competing with nearby employers — so make yours easy to skim and appealing.

Break it down into:

  • Quick intro — 1–2 sentences about your business and why it’s a great place to work.

  • Core duties — Bullet points work best.

  • What you’re looking for — Skills, experience, or personal qualities.

  • What you offer — Pay range, benefits, flexibility, growth opportunities.

  • Location clarity — If you have multiple branches, name the exact location.

Tip: Add local perks like “easy subway access,” “parking available,” or “free lunch for staff.” If you’re aiming for “jobs in Brooklyn hiring immediately,” mention it directly to catch local searches.

3. Use Keywords That Job Seekers Search

Even though Workonward matches you with local applicants, keywords help your job post show up in more searches:

  • Think like an applicant: what would they type into Google or a job board?

  • Include alternative terms: “Bartender (Mixologist)” or “Warehouse Associate / Picker-Packer.”

  • Use role-specific terms alongside general ones: “job profile,” “job description sample,” “job offer letter.”

4. Keep It Human

People want to know they’re applying to a real, welcoming workplace:

  • Write like you’re speaking to someone in person.

  • Avoid overly formal or robotic corporate speak.

  • Mention your team culture, mission, or even something memorable — yes, you can sneak in personality (but maybe not Tommy Shelby level intimidation).

5. Don’t Skip Pay and Schedule

Posts with pay and schedule details get significantly more clicks — and better matches.

  • Include a pay range even if it’s broad.

  • Be clear about shifts (weekends, nights, rotating).

If you’re offering flexible hours or remote days, mention it.

6. Add a Location That Works on the Map

Since Workonward is map-based, your pin location is critical. If you post without an exact spot, you might lose candidates who want to work close to home.

7. Bonus: Pre-Posting Checklist for Employers

Before you hit “Post” on Workonward:

  • ✅ Job title is clear, keyword-friendly, and specific.

  • ✅ Description is easy to skim (short paragraphs + bullet points).

  • ✅ Pay and schedule are listed.

  • ✅ Location is correct and visible.

  • ✅ No confusing jargon.

  • ✅ Keywords like “applicant,” “the recruit,” “onboarding,” and “placement agencies near me” appear naturally where relevant.

Extra Tip — Think Beyond the Post

Once you find the right candidate:

  • Send a clear, professional job offer letter (you can even use a job offer letter format template).

  • Use a good onboarding process to make new hires feel welcome from day one.

  • If you handle hiring at scale, consider recruitment CRM software to streamline your workflow.

Final Takeaway:
On WorkOnward, clarity beats cleverness. Keep your job titles and descriptions straightforward, sprinkle in the right keywords, and think like a job seeker. You’ll stand out on the map, attract the right applicants, and fill your roles faster.

Visit Work Onward today.

Holly Diamond

Holly “Oh” Diamond is the Founder & CEO of WorkOnward, a map-based platform connecting local talent with local jobs. She’s passionate about hourly work, inclusive hiring, and building thriving communities. Find Holly on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Holly “Oh” Diamond is the Founder & CEO of WorkOnward, a map-based platform connecting local talent with local jobs. She’s passionate about hourly work, inclusive hiring, and building thriving communities. Find Holly on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter

Out bi-weekly newsletter full of inspiration, podcasts, trends and news.

Out bi-weekly newsletter full of inspiration, podcasts, trends and news.

Read some more blogs

Read some more blogs

Read some more blogs

Read some more blogs

Get the app for a better mobile experience!

Follow us

Get the app for a better mobile experience!

Follow us