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10 Reasons Your Job Postings Stink: What Your Ideal Candidate Won’t Tell You About Your Job Posting

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20 seconds. That’s how long job seekers spend scanning a job posting. 

You’ve got 20 seconds to make your job postings stand out. If your job postings stink, you’ve lost that candidate before they even have all the relevant information.  

But what exactly makes a job posting “stink?”  

Here are 10 reasons your job postings aren’t cutting it – and how to improve them. 

  1. They’re missing location information.

Location is crucial. Job hunters want to know where they’ll be working. If you skip this detail, you’re losing potential applicants. Always include a specific city and state to make your job post more appealing. 

  1. They don’t mention salary.

Candidates prioritize salary information. Job adverts with clear salary details receive 20% more applications. Don’t leave candidates guessing about the pay; be transparent about the compensation. 

  1. Job titles are vague.

Creative job titles like “Marketing Guru” or “Sales Ninja” might sound fun, but they don’t help candidates understand the role. Stick to straightforward, industry-standard titles that job seekers are likely to search for. 

  1. There are long, boring job descriptions.

Remember: candidates spend only about 20 seconds scanning job ads. A lengthy, dense description will lose their interest. Keep your job description concise – around 200 words – and easy to scan with bullet points. 

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  1. They don’t mention benefits or perks.

Candidates care about more than just salary. Highlight benefits, career paths, and workplace perks. Mentioning training opportunities and holiday allowances can make your post more attractive. 

  1. They overlook company culture.

A good cultural fit is important to job hunters. Include a brief overview of your company culture, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. This helps candidates envision themselves as part of your team. 

  1. They’re posted at the wrong time.

Timing is everything. Most job hunters are active at the beginning of the week, especially on Tuesdays. Make sure your job posts go live when your target candidates are most likely to see them. 

  1. The application process is complicated.

A lengthy or complicated application process can deter candidates. Keep it short and simple. Ensure the application process is seamless and mobile-friendly, as 62% of applications are completed on cell phones. 

  1. They’re out of date.

Your job postings need regular reviews and updates to stay relevant and effective. If your job advert isn’t getting enough traction, tweak it. Make sure it appears on the first page of job search results. 

  1. They don’t utilize additional features.

Leverage premium features like Quick Apply or Premium Featured Jobs to boost your job advert’s visibility. These tools can significantly increase the number of applications you receive. 

Looking to improve your job postings? Our recruitment marketing experts are here to help. Let’s set up a conversation!

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