In today’s fast-moving labour market, especially across high-demand sectors like trades, construction, civil, and administration, many of our clients are telling us the same thing:

“We’re advertising roles — but the right people just aren’t applying.”

The good news? Often, the issue isn’t the role or the market — it’s the messaging. The way your job ad is written (and where it’s placed) can make a big difference in whether top candidates notice or scroll on by.

We’ve put together a quick guide highlighting the five most common reasons job ads miss the mark — and what you can do to fix them. These are practical, actionable tips we use every day to help our clients attract better talent, faster.

1. You’re Not Speaking to the Right Audience

Generic job ads get generic results. If your ad could be copy-pasted across 10 different companies, candidates won’t stop scrolling.

✅ Fix it: Tailor your language to the actual role. Use industry terms (correctly), be clear about expectations, and highlight what sets your workplace apart.

2. You’re Forgetting the “What’s In It For Me?”

Listing duties is expected. But top candidates want to know: Why should I choose this job over the others?

✅ Fix it: Showcase the benefits beyond pay — job security, team culture, career progression, project types, flexibility, and stability all matter.

3. You’re Taking Too Long to Respond

Speed matters. The best candidates are often juggling multiple offers — and if they don’t hear back quickly, they move on.

✅ Fix it: Set a fast internal review process, or let a recruiter manage candidate contact to keep the momentum going.

4. Your Application Process Is Confusing

A long, clunky, or outdated application method will push people away — especially in industries where candidates are often working long hours.

✅ Fix it: Make applying simple. One-click options, mobile-friendly forms, and direct recruiter contact are key.

5. You’re Doing It All Alone

Sometimes, finding the right person takes more than an ad. It takes local knowledge, pre-screening, and a network of active and passive jobseekers.

✅ Fix it: That’s where we come in. Recruit Personnel offers pre-screened, job-ready candidates across trades, admin, construction, and more — ready to go now.

Want to Attract the Right Talent?

We’re not here to flood you with resumes — we’re here to help you hire smarter. Get in touch for a no-obligation chat and see how we can help you land your next great hire.