A recent study found that many students struggle to understand the language used in job adverts, and some are put off applying altogether.
It’s a reminder that job adverts aren’t just an HR formality. They’re marketing. But too often, they’re copied straight from the job description; an unexciting list of duties, filled with jargon and corporate speak. It can read more like a ransom note than an invitation.
Graduates don’t always know the jargon, and it can make roles feel out of reach. And it can lead to “learned behaviour,” where they mimic that tone on their CVs because they think it’s what employers want.
Crafting an engaging advert takes practice, but it starts with seeing things through a graduate’s eyes, and thinking about what may be of particular interest to them. Things like…
- What they will learn and how they will develop.
- Exciting projects they will they be a part of.
- Attractive things about working with the business.
- Examples of how other graduates have developed.
- A great benefits package.
A well-written advert doesn’t just describe a job – it sells the opportunity.
And for graduates, that can be the difference between scrolling past and hitting apply.
How confident are you that your adverts are speaking your candidates’ language, and truly showcasing what makes your business stand out?
Matthew Parry,
Director. SME Graduate Employment
Email: matthew@sme-graduates.co.uk Telephone: 0370 774 9500
SME Graduate employment is a specialist graduate recruitment agency. Covering permanent roles, fixed-term contracts, student / undergraduate and graduate internships, and sandwich placements. All areas of the UK, and most industries and job types.
If you would like to find out more about the services I offer please contact me by email matthew@sme-graduates.co.uk or phone 0370 7749500 (local rate number) You can also see other content I have written here