Leopard.FYI data indicates that transparency in job descriptions significantly enhances candidate engagement. In 2024, we shared over 12,000 roles with candidates, and about 4,500 received a “YES, I'M INTERESTED” response. Employers with the highest conversion rates are typically more transparent about:
Interview Process & Recommended Preparation: Clearly outline the steps involved and provide resources for candidates to prepare effectively.
Work-Life Balance: Communicate norms regarding working hours and expectations to set clear boundaries.
Compensation Bands: Providing salary ranges by level helps candidates assess alignment with their expectations.
Team Composition: Introducing team members and their backgrounds gives candidates insight into the company culture and potential colleagues.
Incorporating these elements into your job descriptions can increase engagement and a more diverse applicant pool. Transparency not only attracts candidates but also fosters trust and sets clear expectations.
Regarding inclusive language, many employers adopt the following practices:
Encourage Applications Despite Gaps in Qualifications:
Include a statement like: "We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification. We value diverse experiences and perspectives."
Use Gender-Neutral Language:
Avoid gender-coded words that may deter certain applicants. For example, replace terms like "ambitious" or "dominant" with "motivated" or "proactive."
Highlight Commitment to Diversity:
Add a section emphasizing your organization's dedication to creating an inclusive environment. For instance: "We are committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued."
Simplify Language and Requirements:
Use clear, straightforward language and focus on essential qualifications rather than language that exudes hyper-competitiveness, elitism and exclusivity.
Avoid Unconscious Bias:
Be mindful of language that may unintentionally exclude certain groups. For example, instead of "native English speaker," use "proficient in English."
MASTER JD TRANSPARENCY CHECKLIST
Role Title and Level (e.g., “Senior Software Engineer / Tech Lead”)
Company Mission and Product Overview (e.g., Hashboard’s goal to simplify data exploration)
Industry and Focus Areas (e.g., BI/Analytics, Data Platform, Data Infrastructure)
Company Size and Team Structure (e.g., 10 total, 7 on engineering team)
Tech Stack (e.g., Python, Flask, GraphQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, Docker, AWS, React, TypeScript, Redux)
Funding and Investor Information (e.g., Seed round, $7M, key investors)
Leadership Team Background (e.g., Founder/CEO’s and VP of Technology’s experience)
Diversity Stats (e.g., gender representation in engineering and overall)
Reasons to Join (e.g., engineering-driven, solving complex problems in data visualization)
Customer Testimonials and Product Impact (e.g., case studies, customer feedback)
Current Product Features and Roadmap (e.g., quick explore, metrics page, dbt integration)
Company Culture and Values (e.g., ownership, collaboration, technical excellence)
Work Environment Expectations (e.g., office-first with flexibility, annual offsite details)
Benefits and Perks (e.g., medical, vision, and dental coverage with no base premium)
Parental Leave Policy (e.g., 12 weeks)
Work Location and Visa Information (e.g., New York office, Canada OK, H1B transfers OK)
Interview Process Steps (e.g., VP call, technical screen, onsite, final interview)
