AI. It’s the buzzword on everyone’s lips. From Google prioritising AI search results to smart toilets powered by AI (yes, really), it seems Skynet is already inescapable.
More and more businesses are turning to AI to generate job advertisements. But is it the super-tool it’s being pitched as? And can it really replace the human element in the art of attracting top-tier candidates?
The Pros of Using AI to Write Job Ads
The benefits are easy to see. AI significantly speeds up the creation process and can help produce copy that’s clear, concise, and professional.
Speedy Gonzales
AI can whip up a draft in minutes, saving your team time and effort. It’s a great starting point, letting you focus on refining the message rather than building it from scratch.
Shakespeare, is that you?
Let’s face it, not everyone has the gift of the gab, especially when it comes to writing. AI can help structure your messaging and clearly communicate a role’s responsibilities and expectations in professional-sounding language.
But here’s the catch: while AI-generated ads may be fast and functional, they often miss the mark when it comes to truly engaging high-calibre candidates.
The Cons of Using AI to Write Job Ads
While AI can streamline the writing process, it can also work against your recruitment efforts. Job ads are, first and foremost, a call-to-action. They’re there to attract applicants, prompt a response, and represent your company’s brand. These nuances can be particularly difficult for large language models to convey.
Generic, Plain Jane Content
AI-generated ads often come out bland and cookie-cutter, lacking in personality. Instead of showcasing your unique company culture and values, they read like any other job ad on Seek. Top candidates want to know who you are, not just what you want.
Nevermind the Buzzwords
AI tools tend to lean heavily on jargon and keywords. The result? Copy that sounds robotic and uninspired. Great candidates aren’t attracted to fluff, they’re drawn to clarity, meaning, and authenticity.
Perks? What Perks?
Strong job ads sell the opportunity, not just the role. They highlight professional development, flexibility, team culture, and values. The things that matter most to top-tier talent. AI often misses these selling points, focusing instead on responsibilities and requirements.
Language That Repels
Even small word choices can shape how a job ad is received by candidates. AI might throw in phrases like “high-performing” or “committed” that unintentionally signal long hours or a high-stress environment. These red flags can discourage the very candidates you’re trying to attract.
The Uncanny Valley Effect
AI-generated content can spark a sense of discomfort and a negative emotional response, a phenomenon known as the uncanny valley. Which could hurt your application rates. In addition to this, candidates are getting better at spotting AI-written text, which can create a perception that your business lacks authenticity or a human touch.
Why the Human Touch Matters
At the end of the day, a job ad isn’t just an announcement, it’s a first impression. It’s your pitch to a potential team member, and it needs to reflect not only the requirements of the role but your organisation’s character, values, and purpose.
AI can help you get started, but to truly connect with top-tier talent, you need human insight. A professional copywriter or recruiter can craft job descriptions that speak directly to the aspirations of your ideal candidate and get them to hit that apply button.
Ultimately, AI can be a helpful tool, but it’s not a replacement for authentic, strategic communication. The best candidates don’t just want a job. They want a reason to care.
Learn More About Crafting Job Advertisments:
Job Advertising vs Job Description – What’s the Difference?
5 Ways to Improve Your Job Ads