An ineffective job ad not only fails to attract the type of job candidates you need and desire but it can also siphon of your limited time and energy by forcing you to dredge through resumes from job candidates who just don’t measure up.  Below are three signs that you have an ineffective job ad:

1.     You receive a large quantity of resumes from candidates who clearly aren’t a good match for your job; but who aren’t even a mediocre match.  For example, if you are looking for a family law attorney with ten years experience and you keep receiving resumes from criminal law attorneys then you probably have an ineffective job ad.  Make sure that your job ad is specific about the type of candidate you are looking for.  Remember use direct language when describing the job candidate you want.

2.     You consistently receive resumes from entry-level job candidates for an executive-level job.  If this is happening then you have failed to make clear the requirements for the job.  Being specific trumps being too general when posting a job ad because the more specific you are the less likely the job candidate will misunderstand you needs.

3.     You are receiving responses but the quality of the responses is low despite the fact that the job candidates are qualified.  If this is happening, then you probably failed to include how the job candidate would benefit from taking the job.  Remember, benefits aren’t just about salary and healthcare, but often about gaining experience, working with a growing company, getting involved innovation or even the opportunity to have a flexible work schedule.