What not to do when writing your job ad

When creating a job ad, it’s important to maintain a professional and inclusive tone to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Avoiding certain phrases or language can help ensure that your job ad doesn’t unintentionally alienate or discourage potential applicants. Here are some things you should avoid saying in your job ad:

1. Discriminatory language: Avoid any wording that could be interpreted as discriminatory, such as specifying age, gender, race, religion, marital status, or any other protected characteristic. This includes phrases like “young and dynamic,” “recent graduate,” or “male candidate preferred.”
2. Jargon or buzzwords: Overuse of industry jargon or buzzwords can make the job ad unclear or intimidating to potential candidates who may not be familiar with those terms.
3. Unrealistic expectations: Avoid setting unrealistic requirements or qualifications that are not truly necessary for the job. This can discourage potentially qualified candidates from applying.
4. Negative tone: Maintain a positive and respectful tone throughout the ad. Avoid using negative language or portraying the current team, company, or industry in a negative light.
5. Overemphasis on perks: While it’s okay to mention company perks and benefits, focusing solely on these aspects may give the impression that the job itself is not challenging or fulfilling.
6. Excessive emphasis on experience: While experience can be important, don’t discourage entry-level or junior candidates by requiring an excessive number of years of experience for every position.
7. Generic job titles: Vague job titles like “Rockstar Ninja Developer” might come across as unprofessional and not accurately represent the role, potentially confusing candidates about the actual responsibilities.
8. Exaggerated superlatives: Overuse of terms like “world-class,” “revolutionary,” or “cutting-edge” can make the job ad sound insincere or overly promotional.
9. Lack of clarity on responsibilities: Be specific about the job responsibilities and requirements. Vague descriptions can lead to unqualified candidates applying or qualified candidates skipping the opportunity.
10. Excessive list of requirements: Instead of listing a long laundry list of qualifications, focus on the key skills and qualifications that are truly essential for the role.
11. Salary ambiguity: While it’s not necessary to provide an exact salary in the job ad, being completely silent about compensation can deter potential candidates who want to know if the role aligns with their salary expectations.
12. Unprofessional language: Maintain a professional tone throughout the ad. Avoid using informal language, slang, or overly casual expressions.
13. Unnecessary urgency: Creating a sense of urgency through phrases like “apply now or miss out” can pressure candidates and may not leave them enough time to consider the opportunity.
14. Negative language about competitors: Avoid comparing your company negatively to competitors or making disparaging remarks about other companies.

Remember that a well-crafted job ad should accurately represent the role, emphasize the company’s values and culture, and attract a diverse range of qualified candidates.

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