5 common job ad mistakes to avoid

If it weren't for job postings, there would be fewer applicants for jobs. But how do you ensure your job post effectively attracts the right applicants? Here are 5 common job ad mistakes we’ve found people make that you should avoid:

1. Sloppy Writing  

Grammar and spelling errors are enough to put some seekers off. Essentially, candidates want to know they're applying for a reputed and professional company. Keep writing clear and concise to ensure against your ad being skimmed over. 

2. Short deadlines

Give job seekers the time they need to apply to your company. Strong applicants often won’t flood your inbox within a couple of days of the ad being online, it can be unrealistic and keeping a tight deadline significantly narrows your applicant pool. We recommend keeping the ad online for 30 days to ensure the most appropriate applicant pool, extensions for specialised roles with a more detailed application process can also be necessary.

3. Misusing key words and attractive terms

It is important to use key words that highlight the benefits of your offering when writing the job ad to ensure your ad receives the right kind of attention amongst others, not just packing in as many filler terms as possible. This is an important consideration to make in the title itself and also subheadings. Make sure your ad has an engaging title that reflects the opportunity, terms like “incredible opportunity” or “highly sought after position” don’t really give the reader any solid expectations or reasons why they should read more explanatory detail.

 

4. No salary and benefits

Not listing a salary range puts you at risk of losing applicants that are seeking a specific salary floor. Even using terms such as 'salary negotiable' or 'competitive pay' typically receive a larger applicant pool. Don’t forget, the most attractive job ads are the ones that convey to the seeker 'what's in it for me?' information. Information such as work-life balance and office facilities all contribute to the 'deal makers’ within your ad.

5. Advertising in the wrong places  

Traditional media and generic ‘all jobs’ websites have their place, yet can get job advertisers in a corner when the link between an audiences quick scrolling behaviour and visibly engaging information in your ad is lost. When targeting applicants with specific qualifications, niche and industry specific sites typically receive strong attention from passive seekers rather than just unemployed candidates. Professionals also know to go to these boards rather than navigate through countless irrelevant jobs that get posted on large generic job sites.

Don’t forget - Our consultants offer free assistance with the writing and layout of your ad when you post a job on Career Exchange. Feel free to discuss your needs or challenges with us and contact us so that we can assist you in receiving the best quality health candidates.

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