At RecruitAGraduate (RAG), our mission is clear: we help businesses across South Africa connect with quality graduate talent.
Whether you are looking to hire fresh graduates or those with some experience, we work alongside you to make the recruitment process easier and more effective. And, one of the most important steps in this process is creating a clear and detailed job description.
With access to over 100,000 graduates and the experience of placing candidates in permanent, contract, and internship positions, we understand what details make a difference, and a clear job description allows us to present your role in the best possible way to our extensive graduate network.
Here’s what we need from you to help us find your ideal candidate.
1) Be Clear on the Role and Responsibilities
The starting point of every effective job description is clarity on what the candidate will be doing in the role. We need a detailed breakdown of the tasks and responsibilities the successful candidate will take on daily, weekly, and monthly.
This is not just about listing general duties. The more specific you can be, the better. For example, rather than stating “assist with marketing tasks,” it is far more helpful to specify, “assist with social media scheduling, basic content creation, and campaign reporting.”
Clear responsibilities allow us to shortlist graduates who not only have the correct qualifications but also have an understanding of the role’s requirements. It also sets accurate expectations for candidates from the start, ensuring a better fit and stronger engagement.
2) Specify the Required Qualifications and Skills
Employers should provide a clear outline of the qualifications required for the role. Do you need a candidate with a specific degree, diploma, or certification? Include this information upfront.
If you are open to candidates from various fields of study, let us know. However, if certain qualifications are non-negotiable, it is important that we understand this from the beginning.
In addition to formal qualifications, please specify the technical skills and competencies that are essential for success in the role. For example, if proficiency in Google Sheets, digital marketing tools, or project management software is important, include this detail.
Our goal is to accurately match the skills you require with the abilities of the candidates in our database. The clearer you are, the better we can deliver a shortlist that meets your expectations.
To employers seeking to better understand the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) education levels, read more here.
3) Define the Value the Role Offers to the Candidate
It is equally important to think about what value the role brings to the candidate. Graduates are not just looking for a job; they are looking for an opportunity to build their careers. By outlining what the candidate will gain from the role, you make your vacancy more attractive.
For instance, will the role offer exposure to real-world projects, mentorship, or training programmes? Will the candidate have the chance to grow into a leadership position? Will they gain experience that supports future career progression?
When we understand the value the role offers, we can communicate this to candidates clearly and honestly. This helps attract motivated, high-potential graduates who are looking for meaningful work experience.
The Value of a Well-Crafted Job Description
A well-written job description benefits both the employer and the candidate. It helps set accurate expectations, improves the quality of applications, and increases the likelihood of a successful hire.
At RAG we have a personalised approach and ensure that every job description we publish is aligned with your business goals and accurately represents the role on offer.
To recap, for us to help you find the right graduate talent, we need clear, detailed input from you. By providing this information, you enable us to shortlist the best candidates for your role efficiently and effectively.
- What exactly will the candidate be doing?
- What qualifications and skills do they need?
- What value will the role offer to the candidate?
At RAG, we do not expect you to draft the ideal job description on your own. We partner with you to write a job description that reflects your needs and highlights your opportunity to potential candidates. Let's chat, contact us here.