How to write a job advert that attracts the right people

A well-written job advert is one of the simplest ways to improve your hiring results. It’s often the first impression a candidate gets of your company, so getting it right matters.

Here’s a practical guide to help you write clear, engaging job adverts that attract the kind of people you actually want to hire.

1. Keep the job title clear and relevant

Use straightforward, searchable job titles that reflect what people are likely to be looking for. Avoid jargon or internal language that might confuse candidates.

For specialist roles, add context so the advert feels more specific. For example:

• Research Scientist – Cell Biology

• Regulatory Affairs Manager – Biotech

• Chief Scientific Officer – Drug Discovery

Clarity helps your advert appear in more searches and ensures candidates can recognise the relevance straight away.

2. Start with a strong introduction

The first few lines of your advert are critical. Explain who you are, what the role involves, and why it matters. Keep it short, conversational, and focused on impact.

Example:

“We’re a growing biotech company developing next-generation therapies to improve patient outcomes. We’re looking for a Research Scientist to join our discovery team and help advance our lead programme.”

The aim is to help readers picture themselves in the role and understand why it’s worth their time.

3. Focus on key responsibilities

Summarise what the person will actually do day to day, ideally in 3–5 short bullet points. Avoid long or generic task lists. This helps candidates quickly decide if they’re a good fit.

Example:

• Design and run cell-based assays to support preclinical research.

• Analyse and interpret data to guide project decisions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across biology and chemistry.

4. Be realistic about skills and experience

Separate essential from desirable criteria. A long list of “must-haves” can discourage good candidates from applying.

Example:
Essential: MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline, experience with mammalian cell culture, data analysis, and assay development.
Desirable: Experience in a biotech or translational research environment.

5. Show what it’s like to work with you

Candidates want to understand your culture as much as the role. Include what makes your workplace different — whether that’s your mission, flexibility, team values, or approach to development.

Example:

“We offer a collaborative working environment, flexible hours, and the opportunity to contribute directly to meaningful scientific progress.”

6. End with a clear call to action

Be specific about next steps. Let people know how to apply and what to expect. Keep the process simple.

Example:

“If this sounds like you, please send your CV to [email address] with a short note about your experience. We’ll be reviewing applications as they come in.”

The easier you make it, the more likely strong candidates are to apply.

7. Make it easy to read

Most candidates will view your job advert on their phone. Use short paragraphs, white space, and bullet points so it’s simple to scan.

8. Write with inclusion in mind

Use neutral, inclusive language that speaks to a wide audience. Avoid gendered terms or assumptions about background or experience. Focus on what someone can contribute, not just where they’ve worked before.

Final thoughts

Good job adverts are clear, honest, and human. They reflect who you are as an organisation and show respect for the people you’re hoping to attract.

If you’re not getting the right kind of applicants, it’s often less about the talent market and more about how the opportunity is being presented. Taking the time to write your adverts well will improve both the quality and diversity of your applicant pool.

If you’d like a second opinion on one of your job ads, we’re always happy to share practical feedback.

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Written by a human, edited by AI.