How do you write a job advert that attracts the right people?
Lead with empathy for the reader, tell the truth about the role including its challenges, make the reward clear, and invite the right person to opt in. Honesty out-performs hype.
Open with empathy for the reader, speaking to what they want and worry about, rather than reciting company history. Tell the truth about the role, including its genuine challenges, so the right person recognises themselves and the wrong person steps aside. Make the reward clear and concrete, and end with a direct invitation for the well-suited candidate to opt in. Honesty consistently out-performs hype because it earns trust and improves fit. The challenge belongs in the advert because hiding it only defers the disappointment to week two. The pitfall is a generic list of responsibilities and 'competitive salary'; it neither differentiates you nor helps anyone decide, so it draws volume without improving quality.