Since the importance of job postings cannot be denied, we must put in great effort into details and intricacies to make sure that there are no mistakes or things in our job postings that show our organization in a bad light. As we have talked a lot about what should be a part of job postings and how exactly we should design them, we also need to see what not to say in a job posting. This is equally important as what to say in a job posting.
So, get ready to take notes because this article is going to discuss some very common phrases that should never be used in a job posting!
The first and foremost important thing that has to be clarified before we move on is: talking the talk of people! It is pretty often emphasized that we use language similar to what people are usually habitual of using. But it is again noteworthy that job postings and product advertisements are different and must never be treated the same way. Just like ads are casual and very informal, job posting at all times should be formal and professional, with a conversational tone that is not laden with jargon or profanities either. A perfect balance is what we usually fail to achieve.
A job posting plays a significant role in establishing the image and personality of an organization. The use of inappropriate or unsavory content in the job posting can have a very negative impact on the reader. Apart from things that must be avoided in a job posting as they can lead to a negative impression if not done properly, a job posting can also have a positive impact if done right. Some things that ought to be considered: a clear definition of roles and responsibilities, information about the company, team, and culture, mention of growth opportunities, and pay range must always be included in a well-written job posting.
With that, we will start by listing down the 5 phrases that should never be used in a job posting. Note that we will also discuss some more shady terms that are better not said on job postings to make sure job seekers are not offended or hurt by something you say to form a ‘connection’ with them!
What not to say in a Job Posting
- Phrases Reflecting Ageism
Every day we see job postings that make use of words and expressions that although seem alright are quite discriminatory, showing that someone in some way is being excluded. For example, phrases like ‘digital native, tech-savvy, young talent, fresh grads, individuals with a fresh perspective, rising stars in the industry, only candidates under the age of XYZ to apply’, etc.
These and so many more phrases and terms that are pointing towards a particular age group, sometimes young and sometimes not very young, are one of the biggest red flags in job postings considering job seekers are highly educated individuals and they take these things rather seriously and are in favor of no discrimination against anyone. Even if nobody else is bothered by the use of such phrases, job seekers who are being excluded will feel offended and you will not do yourself a favor by limiting your pool of suitable candidates for the job.
- Phrases Reflecting Racism
Use of terms and phrases like ‘Caucasian/White, Latinas, or Black Americans, etc. will be prioritized for this job’ without any obvious reason comes under an act of racism. Sure, needing an employee from a specific race to do some particular tasks is acceptable, for example, translations, interpretations, cultural interconnection and coordination, community engagement, etc. Jobs with such responsibilities can ask for specific races but terms and phrases preferring one race over another without a reason should never be used in a job posting.
- Phrases Reflecting Sexism
Terms like ‘chairman, waitress, a person to man the phones’, and other expressions that are typically used for different genders like ‘aggressive trader’ for a man and ‘welcoming hostess’ for a woman, saying something like ‘the ideal candidate should be xyz and he should…’ naturally assuming all suitable candidates will be males; should never be used in a job posting.
Your goal is not to define who can do what job better. Your aim is to find talent capable of getting the job well done despite their gender.
In order to sound more inclusive, you can try using gender-neutral terms like ‘chairperson, flight attendant, telephone operator’, etc.
- Phrases Reflecting Exclusivity
When you say ‘only Native Americans apply’ without a reason, that puts you in a bad light for promoting the use of exclusivities on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, etc. Even mentioning that only fresh graduates from Ivy League schools can apply, is not as polite as it may sound to you.
A recruiter must ensure that the language for a job posting is inclusive at all times and must not hint at you favoring one candidate over another as an employer. This is not just a shortcut to a bad rep but also leads you to lose talented applicants who would choose to find other job opportunities instead.
- Phrases Reflecting Discrimination - Physical Appearance
Another phrase or statement that should never be used in a job posting is a demand for an applicant’s photograph. Such a demand may not be well received by job seekers and will help your competitors scoop the talent you rejected on the basis of shallow standards.
There are often job postings requiring ‘a presentable young woman for the job of a front desk operator’! Avoid using such criteria to hire candidates as it is deeply offensive and sexist.
Although we promised to share only 5 phrases that should never be used in a job posting, we are adding a few more to help you create inclusive and safe job postings that do not turn down any applicant on the basis of standards that serve you no purpose.
- Phrases Reflecting Unprofessionalism
Using phrases and terms that are quite casual and unprofessional like ‘tech guru, money-making machine, etc.’ shows a lack of professionalism on your part as an employer. The tone for a job posting should always be formal and professional with appropriate use of gender-neutral and non-discriminatory terms, exhibiting a safe and inclusive environment you promote as an organization.
- Discrimination Based on Religion
Applicants of xyz faith will be preferred! Does it make you wonder why any job posting would say that? Yes, right? This is a sign that such requirements should never be mentioned in a job posting without a valid reason. Maybe in the case of a position for a religious institution such a demand will make sense, but not otherwise.
- Discrimination Based on Marital Status
If you as a recruiter believe that a certain job cannot be done by a person who is either married or single, then you need to stop believing that. It is in fact illegal in many places to ask such a question of any candidate or deny them the opportunity solely on the basis of their marital status. This is one of the most important things that should never be said in a job posting that a person of specific marital status, single or otherwise, is required for the job!
- No Mention of Inclusivity & Appreciation of Diversity
It has become quite crucial for employers to add a statement in the job postings that shows the inclusive culture of the organization. To avoid getting backlash on being an organization that discriminates against their employees, it is a good idea to start adding a brief statement in your job postings to clarify your stance on diversity and inclusivity.
- Use of Jargon
A job posting with unnecessary and extreme use of jargon can also become discriminating against job seekers who do not have much experience in the industry or are aiming to change their career paths, especially for entry-level posts. The language of job postings must be easy to understand and comprehend at all times keeping in view the target audience and potential applicants.
So, these were the 10 (and 1 more) phrases that should never be used in a job posting. We hope that your future job postings will be mindfully drafted in order to avoid the use of any offensive terms and phrases that could limit the number of applicants applying for the job.
If we look back, the key takeaways from this read would be to ensure that the language you are using is not singling out anyone on the basis of their color, race, caste, gender, sexual orientation, place of study, place of origin, and general knowledge. It has to be ensured at all times that the language used is easily understandable by the readers and must not sound informal at the same time. One important thing to be noted is that job postings even though are also known as job ads, must not resemble actual ads using manipulative strategies to pressure applicants to apply (or not) just because you are saying! The correctness and clarity of information must be your priority and no tall claims should be made like they are in advertisements.
That is it from us for 10 phrases that should never be used in a job posting. We hope to have proven ourselves helpful to you in creating positive and inclusive job postings!
