to create a job description for SEO that is effective //

What makes an SEO want to apply for a job? And what makes them click “back faster than a request email for guest postings?

Yes. Since last year, I have been looking through thousands of job descriptions in search engine optimization positions. Some were terrible, some were okay but not many were great.

Today is the first step towards addressing all of the above. There are no excuses for poor job descriptions. Learn how to match great people with great companies.

Five of the most common mistakes in SEO job descriptions

Are you curious about why people don’t apply for your job? It might surprise you to learn what makes potential applicants turn away before speaking with them.

Here are some things that SEO professionals don’t like about job descriptions based upon my Twitter and Linkedin polls that received over 500 responses.

1. Transparency in salary

We understand that not all companies can pay the highest salaries in the market. It’s not going to work if you don’t post a salary range or promise applicants that “we have a family culture and beer on tap”.

There are many benefits to transparency in pay. According to a LinkedIn survey, 91% job seekers believe that including salary ranges in job postings can affect their decision to apply.

No matter what your salary range is, share it. You can use the description to show why you should be considered if you are not competitive.

Although we all need to pay our bills, many applicants are keen on the overall compensation package that includes benefits.

Words of advice

A salary range that is very vague can be worse than no salary range.

It shouldn’t just be about meeting the legal requirements in your state.

2. Remote working is not possible

SEOs spend most their time behind a computer screen.

The COVID-19 pandemic had one benefit. It was the realization that remote work cultures can be as productive as in-office work. This is especially true when it comes to SEO roles.

Words of advice

Flexible working arrangements have become a common expectation. I’ve spoken to many SEOs who would take a lower income for this benefit.

You might consider other compensation options if you are unable to offer remote work arrangements.

3. Terminology for off-putting

If you don’t call yourself an “expert”, “guru,” or “ninja”, are you still an SEO?

Please, stop using them.

There are many ways to communicate the skills required for any role , from an entry-level position to VP of SEO.

Words of advice

Is it possible to consider gendered terminology terminology like this?

4. Education requirements

A dedicated degree in search engine optimization is not offered by any higher education institution.

Your applicant pool will be severely limited if you assume that your future SEO career requires both an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree.

High-ranking candidates who have met all of your higher education requirements will likely be compensated well.

Words of advice

Rethink your education requirements to favor real-life, proven SEO experience.

As you would for any other technical job, focus on testing the SEO skills of your applicants.

4. Multi-channel skillset required (vs. nice to have)

It’s great that you’ve eliminated the need to have a masters in astrophysics to be open for a SEO position.

We must now address the fact that an SEO job requires people to be proficient in SEO, but equally skilled in paid advertising, affiliate market, email marketing, and social media.

Is it possible to get some advantages from multi-channel experience in marketing when it comes down to organic search? Sure!

These are the skills that you should look for in a candidate and will help to distinguish a great from mediocre.

Words of advice

Your applicants will be more likely to apply if you mention that multi-channel marketing experience is being considered.

It will reduce the number applicants who may not be qualified to fill the position.

A world-class SEO job description is being reviewed

Among the thousands of SEO job descriptions that we have reviewed, I found one description from the Upgrow Team to be the most unique.

The job listing has been kept live despite not being filled. This is so that I can share it with others who are looking for great examples.

Let’s first check if the job description passes “cringe” (everything that we have outlined above to avoid).

Base Salary Transparency.

Remote work opportunity.

Expectations for education and experience.

SEO channel prioritized, but there are upsides for T-shape marketers.

One point less for “wizard fighter” We’re not perfect!

What is it that makes this job unique?

This job description includes many components that go beyond the standard job listing.

These extras will make your SEO description stand out among the rest.

Team hierarchy

It would be wonderful to know exactly where the “Sr. It would be great to know exactly where a “Sr.

This job listing explains not only what is expected from this role, but also how it functions within the “five different roles” within the company.

Would this job be a good fit?

Imagine how it would feel if you could skip multiple rounds of interviews in order to discover that a particular job is not for you.

This job description lists the qualities that make working for this company great and those that might not be a good fit.

Transparent hiring process

You’re likely to have been through hiring processes that include a single interview, an offer/no deal and a single person. You may have had to go through several interviews before you were offered a job.

This job listing goes beyond the ordinary by describing the entire hiring process, from the online application to the job offer/onboarding process.

Let’s win for everyone!

It’s not easy to create job descriptions, but it is easier than finding a new job.

It will be easier to hire if you take the time to clearly articulate the requirements of the job and are transparent about your expectations and company goals.

Search Engine Land’s weekly posting on “The Latest Jobs in Search Marketing” will provide more examples of search engine marketing job listings and allow you to submit your own.

Search Engine Land first published the post How do you write a job description.