Human Resources professionals often remind candidates to keep their CVs clean, clear, and free of errors. And they’re right — a resume is often the first impression a candidate makes. (You can also read my post about writing a CV here) But what about the job ads? hese are how companies introduce themselves to potential candidates. They deserve the same level of care and attention. From formatting to grammar, from clarity to inclusiveness, every detail in a job ad reflects the professionalism and values of the organization.
Recently, I noticed two job ads from well-known companies with broken application links. As a candidate, this felt both unprofessional and disappointing. These job ads are the first impression a company makes — just like a resume is for a candidate. At least, the links should be tested before the ad goes live. In today’s competitive job market, where candidates struggle to get feedback, details like this matter. They affect the overall candidate experience and damage the employer brand. These kinds of errors also raise questions about the seriousness of the job posting. In the example I saw, it took almost a week for the company to notice the mistake. That’s a week with no applications, no reviews, and missed opportunities — for both sides.
Before closing this topic, there are a few more points HR professionals should keep in mind when writing job ads. First, spelling mistakes can make a job ad seem careless. Of course, we all make mistakes from time to time. But with a simple review process, these small errors can be avoided. Another important issue is language — especially discriminatory terms. In addition, some job ads include gendered or age-based phrases that don’t reflect the actual requirements of the role. As HR professionals, we have a responsibility to prevent this. And, we must lead the way in eliminating biased language from job ads.
In conclusion, job ads aren’t just announcements — they represent who we are as employers. Every word we choose sends a message to potential candidates. As HR professionals, we can shape that message with care, clarity, and respect. Let’s raise the standard. Let’s make every job ad as thoughtful as the talent we hope to attract.