The first turnoff is the sheer amount of information stuffed into a typical job description. Paragraph after paragraph give the history of the company, the markets it serves, the job profile, the competencies and experience required, and an endless stream of responsibilities that the winning cand...

It seems like it should go without saying, but job descriptions should make companies sound likeable. Too often ads have no “sell” in them. They read like a shareholder’s report. Rewrite your job description to make your company appeal to the hearts and minds of candidates.

Companies can also up their game in describing their culture.

A typical line from a job description: “We have a culture in which each employee is respected and valued. Every employee brings unique skills, background, and experiences.”

What companies need to do is talk about...

Poorly written job ads often read like wish lists, rather than actual requirements. One might say you need five years’ experience, but actually, you don’t. You probably only need 6-8 months. By putting a laundry list of skills that a candidate supposedly needs, companies end up missing out on ama...

Ever seen a job ad like this? “We need a seasoned, strategic storyteller who can help effectively message, plan and execute media strategies that capitalize on our industry-leading momentum.”

Instead, why doesn’t the writer just say, “we need a candidate who can deliver effective ...

A related problem in job ads is their failure to use real language. This can be a huge turnoff to job seekers.

Expressions like “strong, deliverable focus” and “execute projects” in job ads read as overly formal and lack clarity. For example, what does it mean to have a “strong, deliverab...

Hiring companies should include a salary or salary range in their descriptions.

Holding back this information puts the prospective employee at a huge disadvantage, as it means that they have no idea whether the job is a good fit. This also wastes a company’s time and resources, as you may...