Why Your Job Ad Isn’t Getting Applicants (and What Employers Can Do About It)

You’re hiring. The pay is competitive, the schedule is reliable, and the job itself is solid. But the applications just aren’t coming in. And when they do, the quality is hit or miss.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Employers and hiring managers across field-based industries are struggling to fill roles, but in many cases, the problem isn’t the labor market; it’s the job ad itself.

The good news? That’s within your control, and fixable.

(This article is for employers who are actively posting jobs and want to improve the response rate and quality of applicants. If you’re looking for help advertising your job on social media, check out our article on Facebook and Instagram ads instead.)

What’s Wrong With Most Job Ads

Most job posting ads miss the mark because employers are recycling outdated templates or writing from an internal perspective, rather than with the candidate in mind. And while that might check the box for getting it out the door, it usually misses the mark for the people you're trying to reach.

Here are the most common job ad mistakes we see:

• It reads like a legal document. Lists of duties and requirements don’t inspire people to apply. Instead, it bores them.
• It talks about the company, not the candidate. Applicants care about what’s in it for them: pay, growth, security, and a decent boss.
• It only shares responsibilities. It doesn’t explain what success looks like or why the job matters.
• It skips the “why.” Without a reason to care, candidates won’t take action.
• It buries key details. If someone has to hunt for pay, schedule, or location, they’ll move on to the next job post.

What Makes a Good Job Ad Stand Out

A job posting is more than a description. It’s your opportunity to grab a candidate’s attention and convince them to stop scrolling and take a closer look.

Effective job posting ads:

• Lead with what matters to the applicant (compensation, stability, purpose)
• Sound human, not robotic or overly formal
• Highlight growth opportunities and what it’s like to work there
• Show respect by being clear, transparent, and upfront

Even if you’re hiring for an entry-level position, your job ad should make someone feel like they’re applying to be part of something—not just filling a gap on a crew.

The Easy Way to Fix Your Job Ads

If you’re an employer or hiring manager and you don’t have time to reinvent the wheel every time you post a job, Team Engine’s AI-Powered Job Posting Template is built for you.

This free tool takes your existing job posting template and instantly rewrites it into a compelling, candidate-friendly job ad. It’s designed to:

• Highlight the real selling points of the job
• Add clarity, structure, and polish in seconds
• Save you time by doing the heavy lifting
• Speak directly to the kinds of workers you’re trying to reach

It’s a simple, effective way to start using AI for hiring, especially when writing a job ad template from scratch feels overwhelming.

Before and After: The Difference AI Makes

Here’s an example of how the tool transforms a job post:

Before (Typical Job Description)

Landscaping Maintenance Crew Member

We are looking for a Landscaping Maintenance Crew Member to join our team. The crew member will be responsible for performing general landscaping duties, including mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, and blowing. Other tasks may include weeding, mulching, planting, and debris removal.

Candidates must be able to operate basic landscaping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, and blowers. The role requires physical labor in various weather conditions. Applicants should be punctual, reliable, and able to follow directions from the crew leader or supervisor.

This is a full-time position with the potential for overtime during the busy season. Experience is preferred but not required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine lawn and landscape maintenance
• Use hand tools and power equipment
• Follow safety procedures and company policies
• Arrive on time and work efficiently as part of a team

Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license preferred
• Reliable transportation to and from the job site

After (AI-Generated Job Ad)

Landscape Maintenance Crew Member

We are an award-winning landscape design firm that has been transforming outdoor spaces in Central Ohio for over 25 years. Our success is driven by our extraordinary team of professionals who are committed to delivering excellence and elevating our clients’ lifestyles through innovative design, build, and maintenance services.

Join our company as a Landscaping Maintenance Crew Member, where you'll be an essential part of our team, maintaining and enhancing beautiful outdoor living spaces. We are seeking a candidate who is hardworking, reliable, and eager to learn, with a passion for outdoor work and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with opportunities for overtime during the busy season
• Comprehensive training and growth opportunities
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• Chance to work outdoors and contribute to beautiful landscapes
• Consistent full-time work with stable hours
• Access to industry-standard equipment and tools
• Potential for career advancement within the company

Responsibilities

• Perform routine lawn and landscape maintenance such as mowing, trimming, and edging
• Prune shrubs, plant flowers, and perform mulching tasks
• Operate hand tools and power equipment safely and efficiently
• Remove debris and control weeds to ensure clean, tidy landscapes
• Follow safety procedures and adhere to company policies at all times
• Work collaboratively in a team to accomplish daily tasks
• Communicate effectively with the crew leader or supervisor

Same job. Totally different tone… and a much better shot at grabbing attention.

Other Tips for Getting Better Applicants

Even with a strong job posting template, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:

• Be transparent. Always include pay, schedule, and location.
• Be brief, but not vague. Give enough detail to answer basic questions without overwhelming them.
• Be human. Use plain language and sound like a real person.
• Be clear about the next step. If you want them to text, call, or apply online, say so.

For even more guidance, check out these four tips for writing compelling job ads or this tactical post on how to write a job ad that actually converts.

And most importantly, be sure you’re adhering to Indeed’s new job posting rules or else your ad won’t get seen at all.

If you’re an employer and your job ad isn’t getting traction, that doesn’t necessarily mean the role is unappealing. It often means the ad isn’t telling the story in a way candidates care about.

Try Team Engine’s AI-Powered Job Posting Template to write better job ads, save time, and attract more qualified applicants to your open roles.