top of page
Writer's pictureL21 Solutions

7 Mistakes Employers Make when Posting Job Ads

Updated: Dec 20, 2023

Think about the last time you searched for a job… you may have scrolled through hundreds– perhaps thousands– of job advertisements. You read that right– jobs are advertised based on the job description, and it’s meant to be compelling, and create excitement for the job searcher. A recent survey shared by the Wall Street Journal found that job-seekers spend an average of 49.7 seconds determining whether a job will be a good fit.


TheLadders completed a study to track applicant behavior, and showed the results of how participants scanned a job description using a heat map:



Heat map of job seekers and where they focus on a job advertisement. Shows the most activity for the longest amount of time in the top left area of the job posting.
Source: www.theladders.com

Does this surprise you? Let’s take a look at several easy mistakes employers make when posting job ads, and how to correct them so your postings attract top talent!


1. Not Knowing Your Audience:

Understanding your target audience is the first step to creating a compelling job ad. Identify the skills, qualities, and experiences your ideal candidate possesses. Tailor your language and tone to resonate with them, making your job posting more appealing.


2. Share the Wrong Information First:

The headline is the first thing potential candidates see. Make it attention-grabbing and concise. Clearly communicate the key selling points of the role, such as the job title, unique benefits, or exciting opportunities for growth.


3. Unclear Expectations and Benefits:

Build trust by being transparent– clearly outline the responsibilities of the role, and what is expected of someone hired into this position. Many job seekers are focused on expanding their careers, so be sure to emphasize opportunities for learning and growth. Candidates are more likely to apply if they can see how the position aligns with their career goals.


4. Job Ads are Boring and Robotic:

Help candidates to understand what can be expected if they accept an offer for this job– describe the company culture, work environment, and the role's impact. Best practice is to include some personality into your job ad to make your company stand out. Whether it's a quirky tone, a touch of humor, or a heartfelt message, conveying your company's culture helps candidates envision themselves as part of your team.


5. Lack of Search Engine Optimization:

Ensure your job ad is easily discoverable by optimizing it for search engines. Use relevant keywords related to the position, location, and industry. This increases the chances of your job ad appearing in search results.


6. Share Way Too Much Detail:

While it's important to provide enough information, avoid overwhelming potential candidates with lengthy job ads. Keep it concise and focused, highlighting the most critical details to maintain their interest.


7. Leave it to Fate:

Encourage candidates to take the next step by including a clear call to action. Whether it's applying through a specific portal, contacting a recruiter, or visiting your career page, guide them on the next steps.


Still stuck? Contact us today!

9 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

تعليقات


bottom of page