5 Mistakes Employers Make When Posting Jobs Online
By Pushpa Pradhan
In today's digital world, posting jobs online is a great way to find good employees. Websites like Seek, Indeed, Job4Online, and Jora have made it easier to reach many job seekers. However, despite how simple it is to post a job, many employers still struggle to find the right candidates because they make critical mistakes when posting jobs online.
A job posting is not just a list of qualifications; it’s a strategic communication tool. By avoiding common mistakes, you can significantly improve candidate quality, reduce time-to-hire, and enhance your employer brand.
In this blog, we’ll uncover five common mistakes employers make when posting jobs online, why these mistakes don’t work, and what you can do instead.
1. Writing Generic Job Descriptions
Why This Doesn’t Work
A job ad should clearly outline the role, key responsibilities, and what the company offers. Sometimes, employers use vague phrases like “dynamic team player” without explaining the actual duties. This lack of clarity makes it difficult for job seekers to understand the role, discouraging qualified candidates from applying. Worse, it may attract unsuitable applicants, wasting time for both parties.
Example:
We are seeking a Marketing Coordinator with 2+ years of experience in social media strategy, content creation, and SEO. Must know Canva, Hootsuite, and Google Analytics.
What to Do Instead:
- Be specific about the role, duties, and expectations.
- Clearly list essential skills, experience, and qualifications.
- Avoid industry jargon unless it’s commonly understood in your field.
2. Neglecting the Importance of Employer Branding
Why This Doesn’t Work
In today’s competitive job market, candidates are looking for more than just a paycheck—they’re interested in a company’s culture, values, mission, and growth opportunities. If your job post doesn’t reflect your employer brand, you may struggle to attract candidates who align with your company values.
Common Employer Branding Errors:
- No mention of company culture or mission.
- Lack of tone consistency with your website or social media.
- Not showcasing employee benefits, testimonials, or success stories.
What to Do Instead:
- Highlight what makes your company a great place to work.
- Use your brand tone of voice, whether formal, friendly, or creative.
- Include links to your website, social media, or a careers video.
3. Ignoring Salary and Benefits
Why This Doesn’t Work
Many candidates skip job ads that don’t include salary details. While some employers may feel uncomfortable sharing salary information, job seekers value transparency. According to a survey by Glassdoor, job seekers are twice as likely to apply for a role when salary information is included.
What You Risk:
- Losing excellent candidates to competitors with more transparent listings.
- Attracting applicants who don’t align with your budget.
- Wasting time in interviews.
What to Do Instead:
- Include a salary range in job ads.
- Highlight non-monetary benefits like flexible hours, paid leave, upskilling opportunities, or team retreats.
- Avoid exaggeration.
4. Choosing the Wrong Platforms
Why This Doesn’t Work
Where you post your jobs online is just as important as what you post. Specific job roles often have dedicated portals or recruitment agencies. Using the wrong platform wastes time and money and may miss the right candidates.
What to Do Instead:
- Choose niche job boards or recruitment agencies for specialized roles.
- Ensure your job ads are mobile-friendly, as most candidates apply from their phones.
- Make your content easy to read by using bullets, headers, and brief sections.
5. Failing to Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Why This Doesn’t Work
You’ve written a great job ad—now what? Many employers fail to inform candidates exactly what to do next. Should they apply via email or through a portal? Are a cover letter or work samples required? When the next steps aren’t clear, candidates may get confused, frustrated, or skip the application altogether.
What to Do Instead:
End with a strong, clear CTA such as:
Click 'Apply Now' to submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience.
Additional Tips for Effective Job Ads
- Update regularly: Refresh your job posts to remain visible and relevant.
- Review analytics: Use data to understand and improve job ad performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is one of the biggest mistakes employers make when posting a job ad online?
One of the biggest mistakes is using an inaccurate, vague, or outdated job description.
Q2. Why is it important to include a salary range in a job ad?
Including salary builds trust, attracts the right candidates, and makes your job ad more competitive.
Q3. What are the best job boards to post on in Australia?
Some top-performing platforms in Australia include:
- Seek (general)
- Indeed (global)
- Jora (budget-friendly)
- Job4Online (friendly and reliable)
- LinkedIn (professional and mid-senior roles)
Choose based on your industry and budget.
Q4. How do I make my job ad stand out?
Make it visually clean, use specific role descriptions, include company culture highlights, and add a clear call-to-action.
Q5. How long should a job posting be?
Ideally 400–800 words. Use bullet points and headings to break up information.
Final Thoughts
Online job ads can lead you to the perfect hire, but small mistakes can drive great candidates away. Clear job descriptions, honest expectations, and smart ad placement can save you time, money, and stress.