Author: WAI Staff

Whitman Associates is a professional staffing agency serving businesses and job seekers in the Washington, D.C. area. Since 1972, we’ve been dedicated to matching highly qualified candidates with a wide variety of temporary, temp-to-hire and permanent positions. We prioritize the needs of both our clients and candidates to ensure successful, lasting relationships.

Temp of the Month for December 2024: Mia Azurin

WAI Staff
Mia, a lifelong Washington, D.C. resident, recently graduated from St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During her time there, she conducted social psychology research and contributed to several labs. She now misses being by the St. Mary’s River. In her free time, Mia enjoys climbing, running, and reading. Her favorite place to go outdoor climbing is Safe Harbor, PA.

Crafting the Perfect Job Description

WAI Staff
Woman holding a mug that says, Like A Boss.

A Comprehensive Guide on How To Write a Job Advertisement

Top talent is always on the lookout for the best work opportunity. In a competitive job market, knowing how to make job descriptions more attractive can make or break your hiring process. Job seekers often scan through dozens of postings, so it’s crucial to make yours stand out. In this guide, we’ll break down what a job description should include, offer insights on inclusive job descriptions, and provide tips on how to attract top-tier candidates.

Why the Job Description Matters

A job description is the first impression a possible employee will have of your company, so knowing how to write a job advertisement that is clear, concise and compelling helps to draw in candidates who are genuinely interested in the role. It should say more than what responsibilities the role entails; it should convey the company’s values, culture and work environment.

By setting the tone for what the candidate can expect throughout the hiring process with a well-written job description, you can effectively manage expectations on both sides. This ensures applicants have a clear understanding of what’s required and what they’ll gain from joining your team. 

What a Job Description Should Include

Before diving into how to write a job advertisement and how to make job descriptions more attractive, let’s cover the components of inclusive job descriptions:

Job Title

The title should be focused and to the point. Jargon or creative titles should be avoided where possible. Instead of using, “Customer Happiness Officer,” for example, one should consider, “Customer Support Specialist.” This keeps it simple, and applicants will more likely find your job posting through a job search.

Overview of Company

Include a company overview that describes the mission and values, as well as anything special that can make your organization stand out. This is an important aspect of how to write a job advertisement because it sets the context of the position for the applicant. 

Responsibilities/Duties

Clearly outline the main responsibilities of the job. Make sure it shows day-to-day tasks and long-term goals. Being transparent about the job is key when planning how to make job descriptions more attractive.

Required Qualification

When preparing what a job description should include, you must list the qualifications necessary and skills needed for the job. Distinguish between the required qualifications versus the preferred qualifications so that you will not discourage a potentially well-qualified candidate from applying.

Benefits and Perks

Listing benefits and perks is important to writing a job advertisement that stands out. Think beyond the standard health insurance and 401(k) contributions. For example, if you offer flexible hours, remote work or growth in a career, those can be included as well.

Inclusive Job Descriptions

Prioritizing inclusivity is among the most critical elements of how to make job descriptions more attractive. You’ll attract all sorts of candidates, further driving your organization to become more innovative and dynamic. 

Language plays a significant role in achieving inclusivity. Use language that invites candidates of all stripes to apply and is supportive in tone when determining how to write a job advertisement. Signals for valuing diversity might be explicit with the use of a diversity statement such as, “We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.”

Another aspect of what a job description should include is language about qualifications. For example, it is not necessary to put requirements that aren’t actually required; this may discourage good candidates. Evidence shows that women, in particular, are less likely to apply unless they meet all the criteria. Plus, some candidates might boast unusual qualifications that surprise you by being a unique fit. Clarity in your qualification section without excessive demands helps in how to write a job advertisement that appeals to a wider audience.

How To Make Job Descriptions More Attractive

With countless competing job postings vying for the best candidates’ attention, you need to know how to make your inclusive job descriptions stand out. Here are a few ways you can boost your job ad:

Use Appealing Language

The tone of your job description determines just how desirable your open position will be. It’s all about using positive, proactive phrasing. For instance, instead of, “Must be able to work under pressure,” consider using, “Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.” These subtle word shifts in how you write a job advertisement will make the job feel far more inviting.

Highlight Growth Opportunities

When discussing what a job description should include, we mentioned growth opportunities to be listed as a benefit of the role. Today’s workforce is frequently interested in career development. When thinking about how to make job descriptions more attractive, don’t forget to highlight career growth possibilities within your organization. Applicants need to feel that they will grow and evolve in their position, and this might be achieved by mentioning professional development programs, mentorship, and possible career paths.

Discuss Company Culture

When preparing to write a job advertisement, take some time to think deeply about how to express your company’s culture. The top candidates are seeking not only a paycheck but also to be part of an organization whose ideals are in tandem with their own. This is an opportunity for inclusive job descriptions too, as you can make your job advertisement more appealing by discussing a commitment to social responsibility or the care for employee welfare.

Contact Us!

Writing a job ad that will eventually stand out requires a balance between information and fun. The language should be clear and concise yet not void of the company’s personality. With a better idea of how to write a job advertisement, you can confidently apply these tips on what a job description should include in your next job posting.

Looking for more help creating a results-oriented ad that brings top talent on board? Complete a Staffing Request Form at Whitman Associates to get started with full-service staffing solutions.

How To Effectively Communicate Your Career Goals to a Recruiter

WAI Staff

When navigating the job market, being able to communicate your future career goals effectively can significantly impact your career path. A common question recruiters often ask is, “What are your career goals and aspirations?” How you choose to talk to a recruiter regarding those goals can significantly vary depending on where you are in your professional journey. Each stage presents its own set of aspirations, challenges and opportunities. Let’s explore how to approach this for different career stages: recent graduates, mid-career professionals and those looking for part-time or temp work.

Woman discussing her future career goals with two interviewers

1. Recent Graduates or Entry-Level Candidates: Flexibility is Key

For those just entering the workforce, whether fresh from college or shifting from another field, having flexibility in your future career goals is essential. At this point, you might not have a clear vision of your long-term objectives, and that’s completely fine. Here’s how to communicate effectively when asked, “What are your career goals and aspirations?”:

Express Openness

Make it clear that you are open to various roles. Rather than zeroing in on a specific job title, mention areas that interest you, like marketing, analytics or project coordination. This shows that you have a goal in mind but are also adaptable and eager to learn.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Even with limited experience, focus on the skills you’ve developed through internships, volunteer work or coursework. Skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving are highly valued across all industries, regardless of your future career goals. When preparing how to talk to a recruiter, it’s wise to have a brief, specific example ready that illustrates one of these skills.

Seek Guidance

Don’t hesitate to ask recruiters for their insights. Do some research on LinkedIn to find recruiters in your industry of choice, and set up an informational interview. You can say something like, “I’m looking to explore opportunities in [field/industry] and would love your thoughts on roles that might be a good fit for someone at my experience level.”

By demonstrating your willingness to embrace various opportunities when asked, “What are your future career goals and aspirations?” you can help recruiters match you with roles that could kickstart your career.

2. Mid-Career Professionals: Define Your Aspirations

For mid-career professionals, recruiters expect you to have a clearer vision of your career goals. Are there any specific aspirations such as leadership roles or specialized positions you’re aiming for? Here’s how to talk to a recruiter effectively: 

Be Specific About Your Goals

Clearly articulate the type of positions you are interested in and why. You should prepare one sentence clearly defining your future career goals. For example, “I’m looking to transition into a managerial role within the tech industry, where I can leverage my 10 years of experience in software development to lead teams and drive projects.”

Emphasize Your Value

Highlight achievements from your career that showcase your abilities. Quantifiable successes, such as, “I increased team productivity by 20%,” can help recruiters appreciate what you bring to the table.

Discuss Long-Term Vision

Share your long-term career objectives. If you aspire to move into executive leadership, explain how you see yourself getting there. Be realistic — you should also include what skills or experiences you still need to acquire to reach your future career goals.

Seek Relevant Opportunities

Ask recruiters for roles that align with your goals, and inquire about companies that offer growth and advancement potential. This dialogue can help them tailor their searches to better suit your goals.

3. Retirees or Those Seeking Part-Time Work: Clarify Your Needs and Interests

The answer to, “What are your career goals and aspirations?” may look different when you are retired or looking for part-time or temporary work. At this stage, clarity is vital to ensure that you find opportunities that meet your lifestyle and expectations.

Express What You Want

Preparing how to talk to a recruiter about your future career goals when you’re retired or only seeking temporary work looks different. If you’re hoping for a flexible schedule, a specific type of work environment or particular responsibilities, make these clear. This will help recruiters understand your needs and tailor their suggestions accordingly.

Communicate Availability 

Be upfront about your availability and the kind of work you’re interested in. For instance, “I’m looking for part-time opportunities in project management that allow me to contribute my expertise without a full-time commitment.”

Share Your Experience

Highlight your wealth of experience and how you can add value to an organization, even in a part-time role. Emphasize your past achievements more than your future career goals, and include how you can use your skills to mentor others or bring stability to teams.

Be Open to Varied Roles

While you may have specific criteria, being open to different roles or projects can lead to fulfilling opportunities that might not have been on your radar initially.

The Importance of Communication

In every stage, clear communication with recruiters is crucial. Knowing how to talk to a recruiter means you come prepared to answer questions like “What are your career goals and aspirations?” that the recruiter will always ask. When you articulate your future career goals effectively, you provide recruiters with the information they need to find roles that fit your aspirations. This collaboration benefits both parties — recruiters can present tailored opportunities and you get the chance to explore job openings that align with your career vision.

Regardless of your career stage, remember that communication is a two-way street. Listen to the recruiter’s insights and feedback about market trends and potential roles. They often have valuable knowledge and can guide you in the right direction.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

Effectively communicating your future career goals is essential, regardless of where you are in your professional journey. If you’re struggling to find the right role for you, consider partnering with a staffing agency like Whitman Associates. Since 1972, we’ve dedicated ourselves to matching candidates like yourself to relevant temporary, temp-to-hire, and permanent roles in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Email your resume to resumes@whitmanjobs.com today!

Showcasing Your Skills & Experience to Staffing Agencies

WAI Staff

“How do I describe my work experience when presenting myself to a prospective employer?” is one of the most common questions we get asked at Whitman Associates. The job market can be tough, especially if you’re unsure how to highlight skills in a job interview or on your resume. If you’re asking, “What skills do companies look for when filling jobs?” or wondering how to showcase leadership skills in an interview, a staffing agency might prove to be your most valuable ally in finding a job that really fits your skill set and experience. To maximize their expertise, however, you will have to be clear and convincing about your qualifications. Here’s how you showcase your expertise and skills to staffing agencies so that you can maximize your potential to land the right position.

Woman smiling at her computer typing to highlight her skills.

1. Understand the Role of Staffing Agencies

Before we get into how to best highlight skills, it’s important to understand what staffing agencies do. Agencies work as mediators between prospective employees and employers. They try to find suitable candidates for companies and help job seekers attain employment opportunities. Some staffing agencies specialize in a particular industry or type of position, so knowing which agency you are aligning with will definitely strengthen your job search.

2. Make an Appealing Resume

The resume is still the first impression in which the staffing agency will come to know about you. In that respect, let your resume be:

Industry Specific

The use of keywords and language specific to highlight skills in your field will go a long way in ensuring that your resume is on point. For those wondering, “How do I describe my work experience?”, look for job skills within several job descriptions within your desired industry and note common or repeated phrases.

Accomplishment-Based

Instead of providing lists of responsibilities, outline your achievements. Wherever possible, use quantifiable measurements, such as, “Increased sales 30% in six months,” or, “Controlled a project which yielded a 15% cost reduction.” This is the best method for how to showcase leadership and other skills in an interview and on your resume.

Clean and Professional

To prominently highlight skills and showcase your expertise, your resume should be easy to read, without typos and visually appealing. Headings, bullet points, and a professional font will make it quicker for the recruiter to review.

Explore more resume tips and tricks on our blog.

3. Create a High-Level Online Presence

Today, having a strong online presence is crucial. Many times, staffing agencies will search for you online as a way to learn more about you. Here is how to create your online presence:

Personal Website or Portfolio

Where applicable, create a personal website to highlight your skills. For graphic designers of social media creative types, this will be a portfolio of your work. If you are in a non-creative field, consider case studies or examples of completed work.

Social Media Presence

When appropriate, a professional presence on Twitter or other sites will be of help in connecting you with industry leaders and entering relevant conversations about your profession. Additionally, following industry leaders may help you answer the biggest question: “How do I describe my work experience?”

LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is the most crucial and should be complete and mirror your resume. Add a professional photo to your profile, write an exciting summary about yourself and highlight what skills you have and what jobs you might be looking for. Comment and share industry-related content, showcasing your expertise.

4. How To Showcase Leadership in an Interview

Preparation is an important part of that first meeting with a staffing agency. Make sure to research the agency. Most will have an “About Us” page on their website emphasizing their specialty, values, and types of companies and roles they work in. You should focus your discussion on tangible ways you believe you would be a good fit with this agency. Prepare an elevator pitch summary about yourself and what you are looking for, but be prepared to explain your skills in depth. When you highlight skills, consider mentioning any specific situations using these skills where you can discuss results.

5. Be Honest About Your Experience

Be truthful in your communication with staffing agencies. Being candid builds trust and allows the agency to provide the best matches for you. Discuss strengths and weaknesses — although strengths should be emphasized, openness regarding one’s shortcomings displays self-awareness and a desire for growth. This doesn’t mean talking yourself down. If you don’t have a lot of experience in your desired industry, emphasize your transferable skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

6. Highlight Soft Skills

While technical skills are essential, it is soft skills that can often differentiate a candidate. When considering, “How do I describe my work experience?” showcase your expertise in leadership and time management. When looking for what soft skills are most transferable to which jobs, flexibility is understated yet important — speak about your ability to adapt to new situations and challenges. Sharing a situation during which you took charge of initiatives, projects or teams is how to showcase leadership in an interview.

7. Follow Through

Send a thank-you note to the interviewer after the interview, thanking them for availing you of the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position. Beyond highlighting skills during the interview, these little gestures reinforce your professionalism and stick in memory.

Get Started With a Staffing Agency

Effectively communicating your skills and experience to staffing agencies is a planned strategy in itself; it calls for preparation, candor and engagement on your part. Build a winning resume, create an online profile and nurture good relations with recruiters to rise above competing candidates. Remember, staffing agencies work for you in finding the best fit, and it is in the clear communication and mutual understanding that your journey will follow your career aspirations. Enjoy the process, highlight your skills, and you will be off to finding that perfect position!
Are you ready to get started with a staffing agency in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area? The expert staffers at Whitman Associates are ready to read your resume. Email your resume to resumes@whitmanjobs.com today!

Temp of the Month for November 2024: Cynthia Uchendu

WAI Staff
Cynthia Uchendu is from the DC, Maryland, Virginia area. She is a Clinical Social Worker and provides therapeutic support to children suffering from mental illness. Cynthia is a firm believer of Jesus Christ, enjoys serving in ministry, spending time with friends and loved ones, and creating content on her YouTube channel. She also enjoys at-home self care practices, reading, and taking naps.

Temp of the Month for October 2024: Ellis Gyöngyös

WAI Staff

Ellis grew up in North Carolina and studied Chinese at UNC Chapel Hill before moving to Asia. He studied at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center in China and lived in Hong Kong for several years where he worked in due diligence, anti-money laundering, and financial technologies.

Ellis enjoys listening to music, playing basketball, caring for his houseplants, and spending time outdoors.

Temp of the Month for September 2024: Jonah Estess

WAI Staff

Raised in San Diego and Brooklyn, Jonah is a historian of capitalism and American political economy. He received his Ph.D. from American University in May 2024. His dissertation, “Bank and State: Money, Law, and Moral Economy in the United States, 1775-1896,” explores everyday people and civil servants’ legal and moral struggles to make money and banks meet their needs and serve their best interests in a capitalist democracy.

He has written on historical topics and current affairs for outlets including The Washington Post, The Conversation, The Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, and Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life. He is currently working on his first book, which stems from his doctoral research and draws lessons from that history for monetary policymaking and democracy today.

In addition to his work, he helps manage the Treasury Historical Association’s scholarly prize and serves in a leadership role with the Washington Numismatic Society. He is a lifelong numismatist and enjoys spending time cooking, baking, exploring state and national parks, visiting museums, traveling, and spending time with his fiancé, his friends, and his family.

Temp of the Month for August 2024: Elizabeth Chisum

WAI Staff

Elizabeth grew up in California and went to Oregon for undergrad.  After having gone on a number of amazing family trips to the East Coast, she fell in love and decided to move out here for law school, and has been here ever since.

Currently in the DC area, she has enjoyed all the opportunities she has had and is looking forward to what lies ahead in her professional career.  Elizabeth sincerely thanks Whitman Associates and appreciates all it has had to offer, and she has greatly enjoyed getting to know and work with a lot of great people while there.

Outside of work, Elizabeth likes traveling and exploring new places, kayaking, paddle boarding, and hiking. Here in the DC area, she particularly loves visiting all the museums, getting out on the Vernon Trail and spending time at Gravelly Point.

Temp of the Month for July 2024: Ryan Foley

WAI Staff

Ryan Foley has lived in the DMV his entire life and greatly enjoys the area. Outside of work, Ryan loves to root for all of the local Washington sports teams. He is a lifelong fan of the local teams, especially the Commanders and Nationals, and loves to spend his free time in the summer going to Nationals Park to catch a game with friends.

Ryan greatly appreciates the opportunities that Whitman Associates has offered to him because he has been able to work with some great people, making many professional relationships, as well as being a crucial part of the organization where he was placed.

Temp of the Month for June 2024: Shierra Houston

WAI Staff

Shierra moved to the DMV area from Dubai, United Arab Emirates 6 years ago. She lived for in Dubai for 12 years working as an Event Operations Manager and organizing one of the world’s largest oil and gas shows and airshows.

Outside work, Shierra loves serving in her church community as a Mental Health Coach and a Prayer Minister, helping those who are hurting find comfort and peace in Jesus. She also loves studying the Bible and spending time with her family.

Through her work with Whitman Associates, she has met amazing people and has added value to the organization where she was placed.