Job Ads with Maximum Impact Attract Better Applicants

Use a Clear, Descriptive Job Title

• Applicants search by title more than anything else. In fact, 36% of applicants search using the exact job title they want.

Tip: Use industry-standard job titles that clearly reflect the role, avoid abbreviations, acronyms, or internal jargon.

Write a Scannable, Concise Job Description

• Most applicants only spend 3–5 minutes reading a job post before deciding whether to apply.

• Best practices:
  • Use bullet points for qualifications and responsibilities
  • List must-haves and nice-to-haves separately
  • Keep must-haves realistic—don’t over-list requirements
  • Keep content short and easy to scan
  • Put essential info near the top (not buried at the bottom)
  • Avoid long paragraphs or dense blocks of text

Why it matters: 52% of applicants say the quality of a job description (spelling, formatting, grammar) heavily influences whether they apply.

Use Job Questions (Screener Questions)

• Use Job Questions (screener questions) in your jobs to help applicants self-qualify.

Results: Employers who use Job Questions (screener questions) are 50% more likely to make a hire—and 54% report receiving a qualified applicant within a day.

Include Salary and Benefits

The primary reason a person has a job is to make money. Because wages are the primary reason someone applies for a job, it is critical to associate a wage with the position - even if it’s a minimum. Indeed has done a lot of research in this area; you can find a linked article here: Include Salary Information To Attract More Applicants. 

Why it matters: 

• 75% of applicants say they are more likely to apply if the salary range is listed on the job ad.
• 24% of applicants say compensation is the #1 most important part of a job ad. 
• 42% of applicants said a “variety of benefits” is what most attracts them to a new job.

• Avoid wasting time on misaligned expectations
• Increase transparency and trust
• Attract more serious and qualified applicants

• Applicants are looking beyond just salary.

• 42% say a variety of benefits is what attracts them to apply

• 83% say benefits impact their decision to accept a job

What to include:

• Health, dental, vision
• PTO and holiday time
• Remote/flexible work options
• 401(k) or retirement plans
• Other unique perks

Provide a Precise Job Location and Job Location Type

• Applicants often decide whether to apply based on commute time
• Assist applicants with an efficient search preventing their need to research your location
• Clearly label “remote” and “hybrid” jobs

Tip: Include your full street address, not just city or metro area in your ExactHire ATS location settings.