Five Google Docs Features To Write Better Job Posts
What program do you use to write your job postings? If you’re not using Google Docs, you’re missing out on some pretty cool new features that can help you write better job postings.
Compare Changes In Job Posts
Comparing documents can be useful for a multitude of reasons when it comes to job posts. There are many positions that you may be recruiting for that are similar – perhaps they are different levels of the same role, or the same role in multiple locations. When each of these roles require job postings that are slightly different, it may get confusing which job posting is referring to which role.
That’s where compare can come in. At a glance, you can use the compare feature to see just what is different between two documents – so if you’re spending too much time trying to figure out what bullet point or requirement separates two different job posts, compare them!
On top of that, we’ve all been there: working on a draft, copying files so we don’t lose our work, accidentally closing tabs, or our internet crashing. Whether you’re working with multiple drafts of the same job posting or combining different versions, you can use the compare feature to gather all of the content and see where it differs and overlaps.
Tools > Compare Documents
@ Tagging
Sometimes it’s hard to stop what you’re doing and toggle through a bunch of drop down menus to find what shortcut you are looking for. Thankfully, Google Docs now has an @ tagging system, which allows you to insert many features by typing the name of the feature after the @ symbol. Rather than heading to “Insert” and selecting “Image,” you can simply type @Image. This also works for lists, tables, charts, headings, hyperlinks, and more.
Pageless
The fact of the matter is that people don’t print out job postings anymore. Everything is shared digitally nowadays, whether you’re posting your job on your own company’s website or LinkedIn. Google Docs now has a Pageless feature, which removes pages from your document. Instead, it is a clean sheet that does not end. If you’ve been writing job postings and worrying about page count, try switching to pageless so you can focus on your job posting’s content rather than its length. Also, page count? Target 250 words in your job posting to keep people’s attention.
File > Page Setup >Pageless
Watermark
Unfortunately, it’s easy for people to copy and paste our content and claim it as their own. After spending hours working on a job posting, it can be crushing to see that another company or recruiter has copied and pasted your content and re-shared it – not only are they stealing your writing, but they can then steal your candidates, too!
Thankfully, Google Docs now has a watermark feature. This allows you to add whatever text or image you’d like as a watermark, so your job postings can’t be confused as anyone else’s but yours.
Insert > Watermark
Dark Theme
While the Dark Theme is only available in the Google Docs app, you can change the color of your page in your browser. If you’re anything like me, you might get inspired to write in the middle of the night. And that jarring bright white page? It can be quite annoying when the world around you is dark. The Dark Theme can soften the glow of your screen, making it easier to work during later hours – if that’s your thing.
Menu > Settings > Theme > Dark or File > Page Setup > Page Color
Google Docs For Job Posts
What are your favorite Google Docs features? Have any been helpful for you while writing your job posts? Are there any features you’d like to see Google implement in the future?
Kat Kibben View All →
Kat Kibben [they/them] is a keynote speaker, writing expert, and LGBTQIA+ advocate who teaches hiring teams how to write inclusive job postings that will get the right person to apply faster.
Before founding Three Ears Media, Katrina was a CMO, Technical Copywriter, and Managing Editor for leading companies like Monster, Care.com, and Randstad Worldwide. With 15+ years of recruitment marketing and training experience, Katrina knows how to turn talented recruiting teams into talented writers who write for people, not about work.
Today, Katrina is frequently featured as an HR and recruiting expert in publications like The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Forbes. They’ve been named to numerous lists, including LinkedIn’s Top Voices in Job Search & Careers. When not speaking, writing, or training, you’ll find Katrina traveling the country in their van or spending some much needed downtime with the dogs that inspired the name Three Ears Media.