The 7 biggest mistakes when writing a job posting

Why good job copy is more important than ever

The job market remains tight and candidates have plenty of choice. A strong job ad therefore determines whether someone stops scrolling, becomes interested and then applies. Yet in practice, things often go wrong: texts are too vague, too long, not attractive or miss important information. In this blog we discuss the seven most common mistakes and how to prevent them as an employer. This way you will not only increase the number of reactions, but especially their quality.

 

1. Too general language

Job postings that are too broad, vague or standard do not stand out. Candidates want to know what the job really entails. Describe concrete tasks, responsibilities and what someone can expect. Want to know more about smart recruiting? Take a look at our page recruitment and selection.

 

2. Unclear job information

Candidates drop out en masse when information is missing. Think working hours, location, type of contract or salary range. The more transparent you are, the more likely the right people will respond.

 

3. No focus on skills

In 2026, it's less about degrees and more about skills. So clearly state which skills are important. This will make your vacancy more attractive to motivated candidates and is in line with the trend of skills-based hiring.

 

4. A one-sided narrative from the employer

Many texts tell what the company is looking for, but forget to name what the candidate will get. Think about development opportunities, culture, atmosphere, working hours and supervision. Candidates want a complete picture of the job and the company.

 

5. Overly long texts without structure

A job posting should be scannable. Use clear headings, short paragraphs and bullets where it makes sense. Candidates often decide within 15 seconds whether a position is interesting - overview makes all the difference.

 

6. Forgetting to link to relevant information

Help the candidate by providing additional context. Think about working in the Netherlands, conditions or job application tips. For example, link to our pages working in the Netherlands or apply-guide To help candidates move forward.

 

7. No clear call-to-action

Always end with an action: apply, read more information or share the job posting. A good CTA creates movement. In job postings, it makes sense to refer to current positions - that's why you can safely link to the jobs page.

 

How strong job postings improve your recruitment

Good job postings save time, attract better candidates and prevent mismatches. By writing clearly, honestly and recruiting, you ensure that the right people respond. Combine that with smart recruitment strategies and skills-based selection, and you'll be ready for the job market of 2026.

 

Want more insights on recruiting and selection? Then visit the recruitment and selection, where you can read about how Job Invest supports employers in finding the right people.

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