Ways to Make Your Job Ad Stand Out in Canberra’s Crowded Market

Hiring in Canberra? Good luck—you’re not the only one.

With government gigs, private sector competition, and hybrid roles popping up left and right, candidates have more options than ever. If your job ad sounds like every other one out there, it’s probably being skipped.

So, let’s talk about what actually gets attention—and what makes people scroll straight past.

Let’s Start with what Doesn’t Work

You’ve probably seen job ads like these. You may have even written one (don’t worry, we’ve all been there):

  • “We’re a fast-paced, innovative team looking for a passionate go-getter.”

Cool… but what do you actually do?

  • “You’ll manage multiple stakeholders and contribute to strategic outcomes.”

Translation: no idea what this job is.

  • No salary range? Forget it. Candidates are done playing “guess the number.”

These kinds of ads are vague, stuffed with buzzwords, and tell the reader nothing they care about. And that’s a problem—because the right people won’t waste their time applying for something they don’t understand.

 

So, What Does Work?  

  1. Start With Why This Role Is Worth Their Time

Before you list tasks, ask yourself: what’s in it for them?

Is it the culture? Flexibility? A chance to lead something cool? That’s your lead.

 

Instead of:

“Join our dynamic team…”

Try: “Looking for more freedom in your workday? This role gives you autonomy, flexibility, and the chance to actually own your projects.”

 

  1. Say It Plainly

You’re not writing for a panel. You’re talking to people. Be real.

Ditch this:

“Drive operational excellence through stakeholder engagement.”

Try this:

“You’ll work with smart people, solve problems, and keep things running smoothly.”

It’s more human—and more relatable.

 

  1. Back It Up with Real Examples

Saying you’ve got a “great culture” means nothing if you don’t show what that actually looks like. Candidates want specifics—they want to picture themselves in the role.

So instead of writing something vague, try something like:

“Fridays are for team lunches, we trust people to do their jobs without breathing down their necks, and yes—everyone actually leaves on time.”

That paints a much clearer (and more attractive) picture.

 

  1. Respect Their Time

Keep it short. Bullet points are your friend but be mindful that bullet points will also play a role in the demographic of applicant you attract. And please, make applying easy. One click, not one hour.

 

  1. Be Upfront About Pay

Yes, even if it’s a range. It shows you’re transparent and saves time on both sides.

 

 

If your job ad feels like a template, people will treat it like one. They’ll skim it—or skip it. But if it’s written for real humans, with real detail, that’s when the good candidates start paying attention.

 

And hey—if writing this stuff isn’t your thing, that’s fine. It is ours.

We write ads that cut through, attract the right people, and help you hire better. We have all the current data and use it to attract the right applicants. Let’s chat.