Job hunting can be a nightmare, and trying to find gainful employment can be a hard race to run. Filled with anxiety-inducing interviews, task assignments, and nervously awaited callbacks, with a disturbing uptick in frequency, many companies are falling over the first hurdle: the job description. In our careers, we’ve all come across at least one bizarre job spec that had us scratching our heads, and asking the question, “did a human being even write this?” Sadly, that used to be purely hypothetical, but now the market is becoming increasingly flooded with AI-penned job advertisements. In the wake of the government’s recently announced AI Action Plan, we’re going to see an increasingly artificial hand in the hiring process. But is AI solely to blame for sloppy job ads?
Whatever happened to the well-written job spec? Sadly, it’s not just your imagination; there’s been a slip in quality control with recent job specs. In 2023, analytics firm Revelio Labs discovered an unnerving trend: job specs that use “red-flag” phrases have been increasing steadily. There’s been an uptick in job postings that use phrases like “work under pressure,” which sets alarm bells ringing for candidates. There’s also one critical piece of information that’s been missing from job ads with more frequency, and it’s giving job-hunters a headache: how much am I going to be paid? Job ads that disclose the salary have hit a record low. According to Adzuna, “only half of UK job ads include a salary,” leaving candidates completely in the dark about how much they’ll be taking home each month before even applying for the role. Adzuna also reveals that “46% of job seekers won’t attend an interview unless they know the salary,” so if you’re deciding to omit this piece of information (whether intentionally, or by error) just know you might be cutting your talent pool almost in half.
To make matters worse, job specs aren’t just getting worse; they’re becoming outright misleading. The Independent reported last week that one in five job posts aren’t actually real. So on top of red flags and missing monetary info, job seekers are having to play their own depressing twist on Russian Roulette each time they send off a CV. This is because of the increasing amount of ‘ghost jobs,’ which is actually spookier than it sounds (who ya gonna call? Well, not the companies, because that’s becoming much harder to do as well). Ghost hiring is when companies intentionally list job ads with no intention of actually employing anyone. This isn’t just negatively affecting the candidates, though; it’s hurting companies as well. A survey conducted by iHire suggested that currently only “48.6% of employers think their job ads are effective,” with employers finding the trickiest part of writing a successful job ad was knowing what information to include to attract the right hires and ensuring the ad effectively “sells” their company.
Keep It Brief and Clear
Modern recruiters suggest keeping things concise and straightforward. Candidates will be going through numerous job postings daily, so they don’t want to read a lengthy essay. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. Keep it free of jargon and include the essential details: job title, salary, location (or if it’s hybrid), key responsibilities, and role requirements. By keeping job descriptions clear and to the point, you help candidates quickly understand if they are a good fit for the position and whether it aligns with their career goals. Long-winded descriptions crammed with irrelevant information can deter potential applicants, making it difficult for them to grasp the core of the job role.
Clarity in job descriptions not only helps in attracting suitable candidates but also ensures there is no misunderstanding about the job role and its expectations. This transparency can improve the hiring process by reducing the number of unsuitable applications and streamlining the selection process. Companies benefit from this by receiving applications from candidates who are genuinely interested and qualified for the position, thereby increasing the chances of finding the right fit for the job.
Maintain a Consistent Tone
You want to reflect your company’s culture in your job description. This will help you attract the types of personalities you want in your business. If you’re a fun, energetic startup, you don’t want to sound like a stern, multinational corporation (again, AI can assist you with this). The tone of your job description communicates a lot about your company’s work environment and culture. A consistent tone helps set the right expectations for potential candidates about what working at your company will be like. It helps in attracting candidates who will not only fit into the role but also align with the company’s culture and values.
Maintaining a consistent tone is especially critical when multiple people are involved in the recruitment process. When different team members create job descriptions, there can be a variation in style and tone, leading to confusion among candidates. A consistent tone ensures coherence and portrays a professional image of your company. Additionally, conveying your company’s culture through the job description helps filter out candidates who might not be a good fit, saving time and resources in the interview and selection process.
Be Clear and Precise
Vague, unclear, and confusing job descriptions will only flood your inbox with unsuitable candidates and may even cause you to miss out on some rising stars. Be upfront and clear about what you require, whether it be hard skills or soft skills. Also, try to be realistic; if you’re trying to fill a project manager position, there’s no point in listing ten years of experience in nuclear physics as a “must-have.” Being precise in your job descriptions can prevent misunderstandings, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates apply. This specificity helps potential applicants self-assess their suitability for the role, leading to more targeted applications and a more efficient hiring process.
Clarity and precision in job descriptions also play a crucial role in setting accurate expectations for the role. When candidates have a thorough understanding of the job’s requirements and responsibilities, they are better prepared for the interview process and the job itself should they be offered the position. Moreover, clear job descriptions foster a transparent recruiting process, enhancing your company’s reputation and attracting top talent who value honesty and straightforwardness in potential employers.
Steer Clear of Red Flags
As mentioned, those pesky red flags are cluttering the field at the moment. Avoid them like the plague; avoid descriptions like “must handle stress well,” and don’t refer to your staff as being “like a family.” You’ll only have candidates running for the hills. Red flags in job descriptions can signal to potential candidates that the working environment might be challenging or toxic. Phrases like “must handle stress well” or “fast-paced environment” are often interpreted as a warning of high pressure and heavy workloads, deterring top talent who might otherwise be interested in the role.
More red flags to avoid:
- “Hit the ground running” – you’re essentially telling your candidate there won’t be time to train them.
- “Fast-paced environment” – by now almost everyone understands that this is code for a stressful workplace.
- “Wears many hats” – this sends the message to your candidates that you’re going to ask them to shoulder significant responsibilities beyond what you’re recruiting for. Steering clear of red flags in job descriptions ensures that you attract candidates who are genuinely interested in the role and can thrive in your work environment.
Add a Personal Touch
Job hunting can be a daunting task, with anxiety-filled interviews, nerve-wracking callbacks, and unsettling job descriptions. Surprisingly, many job ads nowadays seem to lack human touch and coherence. This may be due to an increasing trend of AI-generated job postings, especially after the government’s recent AI Action Plan. However, AI might not be the sole culprit for the decline in job ad quality.
Gone are the days when job descriptions were well-crafted and clear. In 2023, Revelio Labs identified an alarming trend: job specs containing “red-flag” phrases like “work under pressure” are on the rise. Additionally, a critical piece of information is frequently missing—salary details. Adzuna reports that only half of UK job ads disclose salary information, leaving candidates uncertain about their potential earnings. This issue is significant, as nearly 46% of job seekers won’t attend interviews without knowing the salary upfront.
To complicate matters, job ads are not just poorly written but often misleading. The Independent reported that one in five job postings are not genuine, leading to an increase in “ghost jobs”—ads listed with no intention to hire. These deceptive practices not only frustrate job seekers but also hurt companies. iHire’s survey indicates that only 48.6% of employers believe their job ads are effective, with many struggling to include the right information to attract suitable candidates and effectively represent the company.
In summary, the job hunting scene is marred by poorly written, misleading job ads, often lacking crucial details like salary information. The blending of AI-generated content and intentional “ghost jobs” only exacerbates the problem, making the search for gainful employment even more challenging.