If you’re struggling to attract suitable candidates, your job descriptions might be a part of the problem. A strong advert should intrigue, inform, and appeal to the people you want to hire. Here are some common reasons why job descriptions miss the mark, and how to fix them.
Unclear Responsibilities
Vague descriptions like ‘manage projects’ or ‘support business objectives’ leave too much to the imagination. Candidates want to know what they’ll actually be doing day-to-day. When responsibilities are unclear, you risk attracting people who aren’t the right fit, or worse, discouraging great candidates who simply don’t understand what the role involves.
It’s important to break down key tasks, and who the role reports to. Clear, specific details attract candidates who are genuinely interested and qualified.
Strict & Specific Requirements
We often see job ads listening an unrealistic checklist of qualifications, years of experience, and niche skills. This can be intimidating and might discourage candidates who don’t tick every box, even if they have transferable skills and high potential.
Focus on the ‘must-haves’ and keep the ‘nice-to-haves’ separate. Be open to candidates with varied backgrounds who can bring fresh perspectives.
Failing to Showcase Company Perks
Candidates aren’t just applying for a job; they’re choosing a workplace. If your advert doesn’t highlight what makes your company a great place to work, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
Promote your benefits (e.g., flexible hours, learning opportunities, team culture, progression routes). Show candidates why they’d want to work with you, not just what you want from them.
Poorly Written & Disorganised
First impressions count. A job description full of jargon, buzzwords, or typos sends the wrong message. Disorganised layouts make key information hard to find, which can frustrate job seekers.
Keep it simple, professional, and easy to skim. Use clear headings, bullet points, and straightforward language.
Not Reaching the Right Talent
Even the best-written job description is useless if it doesn’t reach the right audience. Posting it on a generic job board and hoping for the best won’t cut it, especially for niche roles.
Think carefully about where your ideal candidates are looking. Specialist job boards, LinkedIn outreach, and targeted advertising can make a big difference.
For a faster, more efficient hiring process, partnering with recruitment consultancy is a smart move. In IT recruitment, where finding highly skilled and relevant talent can be challenging, agencies with niche expertise are invaluable.
At Reperio, each of our consultants specialises in a specific area of the IT market, combining deep industry knowledge with access to extensive candidate networks. This allows us to deliver faster results and ensure you’re speaking to the right people, not just more people.
Make Every Job Ad Count
Your job description is more than a list of demands; it’s your first chance to engage potential candidates. By making it clear, appealing, and visible to the right audience, you’ll massively improve the quality of applications you receive.
Need help hiring? We’d love to support you. Reach out to us at info@reperiohc.com to register your vacancy and start the process.
Written by Ellen Gough