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Best Practices - Post Smarter

Not all job postings are created equal.
Some roles naturally attract more applicants than others — which makes it even more important to craft postings that are SEO-rich, easy to find, and exciting to job seekers.

 


πŸš€ Tips & Tricks for Successful Job Posts

Boost Visibility. Attract the Right Talent. Get Results.

Whether you're hiring for a Building Automation Tech, a SCADA Engineer, or a Fire Alarm Specialist, one thing is clear: a job post is only as good as its visibility. The key? Writing it with both humans and search engines in mind.


πŸ” 1. Use Clear Job Titles (with Keywords)

Bad: “Looking for a Rockstar Technician”
Good: “Building Automation Controls Technician – Niagara, BACnet”

Use job titles that include the position and relevant technologies. Google Jobs and search engines rely heavily on job titles for ranking.


🧠 2. Include Relevant Keywords Naturally

Think like your ideal candidate. What terms would they search for?

Examples:

  • HVAC controls

  • SCADA programming

  • Lenel, Genetec

  • PLC / HMI

  • Fire Alarm Installer

Avoid keyword stuffing — keep it readable and natural.


πŸ—ΊοΈ 3. Add Location Information

Even for remote roles, always include a city and state. Google Jobs filters heavily based on location. If it’s a hybrid or field-based role, include the base location.


🧱 4. Break Up the Job Post for Readability

Use clear formatting:

  • Short paragraphs

  • Bullet points for duties and qualifications

  • Section headers like Responsibilities, Qualifications, Benefits

This makes your post easier to read — and more likely to convert.


πŸ“Έ 5. Describe the Company & Culture

Candidates want to know who they’re working for. Include a few sentences about what your company does, what makes it unique, and the team or projects the candidate would join.


πŸ’° 6. Include Salary Info (If Possible)

Google Jobs ranks posts with salary information higher. Even a range is better than leaving it blank. It also builds trust and improves applicant quality.


πŸ“ˆ 7. Optimize for Google Jobs (Handled by Us)

We take care of the technical SEO (like structured data) for you. Just make sure your content is clean, accurate, and complete.

Pro tips:

  • Fill out all job fields when posting

  • Avoid uploading PDFs or images as job descriptions

  • Use plain text with consistent formatting


βœ… 8. Post Jobs with Intention

Focus on value:

  • Why should someone apply?

  • What makes this job interesting, rewarding, or unique?

  • What systems, tools, or technologies will they use?

Avoid HR speak — write like you’re talking to a technician, integrator, or engineer.


🧠 9. Use ControlsJobs' Fields Strategically

Our platform is designed to maximize visibility for your listings:

  • Use clear job titles with keywords

  • Include a location, even for remote roles

  • List salary or hourly pay if available

  • Use bullet points and section headings in the job description

  • Tag relevant categories and skills (e.g., Building Automation, SCADA)

These fields power search filters and ranking on our board — and Google’s.


πŸ“† 10. Refresh or Repost Listings Every 30 Days

Google de-prioritizes older job posts. To stay visible:

  • Update the listing before it hits 30 days

  • Edit minor details (compensation, requirements, etc.)

  • Consider reposting or reactivating the job if it's still open

This keeps your job in rotation and improves visibility.


πŸ§‘‍πŸ”§ 11. Write for the Trades, Not Just HR

Most candidates on ControlsJobs aren’t just browsing — they’re skilled tradespeople or engineers.

Speak to:

  • What systems they'll work with

  • What a day on the job looks like

  • Tools, environment, challenges, and opportunities

Make the job feel real and worth applying for.


πŸ“ Example Job Posting #1

SCADA Controls Engineer – Ignition / Allen-Bradley (Houston, TX)

Company:
ExampleAutomation Solutions – A nationwide control systems integrator specializing in SCADA, PLC, and industrial automation.

Location:
Houston, TX (In-office with occasional travel)

Salary:
$95,000–$115,000/year + bonuses + 401(k) + healthcare

Overview:
Seeking a detail-oriented SCADA Controls Engineer with experience in Ignition and FactoryTalk. You'll design, program, and deploy industrial control systems for high-value clients.

Responsibilities:

  • Build Ignition, FactoryTalk, or Wonderware HMI applications

  • Program Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Modicon PLCs

  • Design control panels and I/O schematics

  • Commission and support systems on-site

Requirements:

  • 3+ years with SCADA/PLC platforms

  • Ignition, RSLogix/Studio 5000 experience

  • Field commissioning & troubleshooting skills

Benefits:

  • Medical/dental/vision, 401(k), training, flexible PTO


πŸ“ Example Job Posting #2

Access Control Technician – Lenel / Genetec (Los Angeles, CA)

Company:
ExampleSecurity Systems – A commercial integrator offering access control, CCTV, and low voltage security solutions.

Location:
Los Angeles, CA (local travel to sites)

Salary:
$28–$38/hr + OT + company van + benefits

Overview:
Seeking an experienced technician to install and service access control systems. You'll work hands-on with card readers, door hardware, low voltage wiring, and access control software.

Responsibilities:

  • Install and wire access control hardware

  • Configure Lenel, Genetec, and related software

  • Read and follow wiring diagrams

  • Handle service calls and upgrades

Requirements:

  • 2+ years of access control/low voltage experience

  • Familiarity with maglocks, strikes, HID readers

  • Clean driving record

Preferred:

  • Experience with CCTV or intrusion systems

  • Certifications in Lenel, Genetec, or OSHA 10

Benefits:

  • Medical/dental/vision, paid PTO, training, advancement


πŸ‘‡ Final Thoughts

Great job posts lead to great hires.

Taking a few extra minutes to write a clear, well-structured job listing can make a massive difference in how many qualified candidates you attract — and how quickly you fill your position.

At ControlsJobs, we’re here to help you connect with the best technicians, engineers, and specialists in the controls industry. Whether you're hiring for Building Automation, SCADA, Access Control, or Fire Life Safety, how you post matters.