Why are Job Descriptions so Boring

I remember the first time I had to write a job spec, my Manager popped a load of notes from a meeting with a client in front of me and said ‘Right Clare, make these notes into a job spec pronto” she was Australian and not one for messing about. I had no clue what to do and the thought of copying someone else's, from another similar advert, didn’t cross my mind. So I thought about what I would like to read in a spec and I crafted it carefully being sure to include selling points, my Manager was delighted and held it up as an example of excellence, my colleagues confided in me that all they normally did was go on a job board and copy a similar role and tweak it. And that there is the problem. How many job specs out there are unique? Not many I would guess. My eyes roll at the ones I have been sent recently by clients, they are so clinical and clearly the advent of tech prompts on our TMS writing specs for us is not helping one bit. I feel sorry for the candidates, how are they to be inspired to apply?

Here is the run of what a typical spec looks like:

Opening paragraph - a generic scraped from the website piece on how great the company is – yawn!

2nd paragraph – a bit of bumph on how high achieving the team is – double yawn

A list – detailing all the work they want you to do – necessary somewhat otherwise you don’t know what you are letting yourself in for

2nd list – what qualifications and experience you need – critical if necessary qualifications are a factor

Concluding paragraph – a section on how to apply and when and where.

End of

Honestly, I was so bored typing that I wish I could hand you all an espresso to keep you awake!

Where is the pizazz people?! We are better than this, if you can’t write decent copy get someone in who can or ask someone in your marketing team to give you a lesson on how to write enticement copy. It is an art-form and unless you are a natural born writer you will struggle but there are resources available.

We have a great copywriter on our team who makes our clients job descriptions and all other media shout success from the roof tops. Why limit yourself to vanilla and sterile writing, leave that to your boring competition who will wonder why they struggle to find great people to apply to them.

Get in touch with us today and let’s talk about how our expertise can help you put your best foot forward when marketing to your targeted pool of talent.

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