Want to grab the right attention – and keep it? Use this checklist to make sure your job ad meets modern expectations and stands out in a crowded market.
Do you know your audience?
- Is the ad written for a person, not just a profile?
- Is the content tailored to the platform and format your target candidates actually use?
- Do you understand what motivates this specific candidate type?
Are you grabbing attention?
- Does the ad start strong – with a visual hook or a bold headline?
- Will it stop the scroll in under a second?
- Are you using video, quotes, images or other eye-catching elements?
Are you speaking like a human?
- Is the tone natural, personal, and jargon-free?
- Does the ad focus on what’s in it for the candidate – not just your demands?
- Does your company come across as real and relatable?
Are you selling more than just a job?
- Are you showing off your culture – not just listing tasks?
- Can candidates feel your values and sense of community?
- Is the bigger “why” behind the role clearly communicated?
Is it easy to take action?
- Is the ad mobile-friendly and instantly scannable?
- Can candidates express interest without a login, CV or long forms?
- Is there one clear call-to-action – and does it work?
Are you using data to get better?
- Are you tracking clicks, time-on-page, conversions, and quality?
- Are you A/B testing different headlines, visuals, and formats?
- Are you adjusting based on performance insights?
Is the rest of the candidate journey aligned?
- Does your careers page match the tone and promise of the ad?
- Is there a clear thread between the job post, your social presence, and onboarding?
- Is the experience from click to conversation smooth and frictionless?
