Why Your Job Ad Isn’t Attracting the Right People (And How to Fix It)

You wrote the job ad. You posted it. You waited.
And what did you get? Crickets. Or worse? A stack of “How did this person even find us?” resumes.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most hiring managers and business owners write job ads with the best intentions… but accidentally repel the very people they’re hoping to attract.

Here’s the thing: most job ads are either too vague, too demanding, or just plain boring.

They list endless requirements, offer little insight into company culture, and sound like they were written in 1999. In today’s market, that won’t cut it.

What’s turning candidates off?

  1. Laundry lists of qualifications.
    You don’t need a unicorn with 10+ years of experience, six certifications, and the ability to juggle flaming swords. Be realistic — and prioritize skills that actually matter.

  2. Buzzword overload.
    Ninjas. Rockstars. Gurus. Please stop. Say what you mean — and skip the jargon.

  3. No personality.
    Your job ad should reflect your culture. If you’re innovative, sound like it. If you’re collaborative, show it. Candidates are looking for more than a paycheque — they’re looking for fit.

So how do you write a job ad that actually attracts great people?

  • Be human. Write like you’re talking to someone you’d love to work with.

  • Focus on impact. What will this person do — and why does it matter?

  • Share your “why.” Why should they want to work for you? What makes your workplace different?

  • Talk about growth. High performers are looking for development, not dead ends.

At VPWS, we specialize in crafting job ads that work — because we know hiring shouldn’t feel like fishing in an empty pond. If you’re struggling to attract quality candidates, it’s not you. It’s your strategy.

Need help?

Let’s rewrite your next job post — and get results worth hiring for.

info@vpworkforcesolutions.com

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