Candidates also don't like cover letters, complex application processes or manual entry of CV details
The language used in job listings matters, according to a new report that identified the most "cringeworthy" phrases in job ads — the ones that instantly put off jobseekers.
Adobe recently polled over a thousand individuals, including 807 jobseekers and 253 hiring decision-makers, to determine their preferences in recruitment.
It found that more than a quarter of respondents are immediately turned off from a job listing when they read the phrases:
Customer-obsessed (33%)
Wear many hats (33%)
Rockstar (32%)
High sense of urgency (29%)
Fast-paced environment (25%)
"Companies often rely on what they think are buzzwords, but many job seekers find them cringeworthy," the report read.
Other red flags for jobseekers
But these phrases aren't the only factors turning off employees from job applications, according to the report.
A quarter of jobseekers said they won't apply to a role if it requires a cover letter.
Another one in five said they won't apply if there is no easy-apply option available.
In fact, nearly half of Gen Zs (49%) and Millennials (47%) said they have abandoned applications requiring manual re-entry of CV information.
This is also the case for at least a third of Gen X (39%) and Baby Boomers (33%).
"With today's competitive job market, abandoning an application for a role you're qualified for might seem counterintuitive, but job seekers do it often," the report read. "From clunky systems to unclear expectations, there are numerous reasons candidates drop off before submitting."
When it comes to benefits, 71% of employees want to see paid time off before applying. Another 69% said they require medical insurance. Other benefits they consider are:
- Retirement savings with employer match (56%)
- Dental insurance (51%)
- Flexible working (50%)
- Remote (44%)
- Vision insurance (41%)
- Performance bonuses (36%)
Short jobseeker attention span
The findings come as the report underscored that jobseekers are only investing 32 minutes for a single job application. They are also investing only up to 41 minutes for a skill assessment.
According to the report, employers should avoid using overused or vague terms when it comes to job listings.
"Hiring teams might consider more candidate-friendly language," the report read. "Swapping out clichés for straightforward descriptions not only sets better expectations but also lets a listing stand out for the right reasons."
They should also consider including the benefits they offer to employees in the job listing, such as the number of paid time off days they offer, in the wake of demand among jobseekers.
