Why Your Job Description Isn't Doing You Any Favours

Struggling to attract top IT talent? Weak job descriptions might be the culprit. Learn how to craft clear, engaging specs that draw the right candidates.

Why Your Job Description Is Sabotaging Your IT Recruitment Efforts

Let me ask you something: When was the last time you gave your job descriptions a proper review?

If you’re like most businesses, the answer might be “a while ago.” Or worse, “never.”

But here’s the thing—weak IT job descriptions could be the reason you're struggling to attract the right candidates.

In the fast-paced world of IT recruitment, a poorly written job spec isn’t just a minor hiccup. It’s a massive roadblock that could lead to missed talent, confusion, and even poor performance down the line.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many companies are unknowingly shooting themselves in the foot before their recruitment process even begins.

What’s Wrong with Your Job Description?

You might think your job descriptions are fine. After all, they outline the role, list the requirements, and give a bit of background on the company. What else could you need?

Unfortunately, a lot. Weak IT job descriptions are often riddled with issues that repel top talent instead of attracting them. Let’s break it down:

  • Unclear Role Definitions: Does your job spec leave candidates scratching their heads? If so, you’re likely losing out on great talent who simply don’t understand what’s expected of them.
  • Jargon Overload: Buzzwords like “rockstar developer” or “ninja coder” might sound trendy, but they leave candidates rolling their eyes. A job spec full of jargon can come across as unprofessional and vague.

And that’s just scratching the surface. If your job descriptions are too long, too short, or too generic, you’re already falling into the trap of weak IT job descriptions.

The Domino Effect of Poor Job Specs

What happens when your job descriptions are off the mark? A lot more than you might think. Poor job specs don’t just repel great candidates—they set off a chain reaction of problems that can hurt your entire recruitment process.

Here’s how it plays out:

  • Missed Talent: The best candidates are often busy and selective. If your job description doesn’t grab their attention, they’ll move on to your competitors.
  • Wasted Time: A vague or poorly targeted job spec will attract the wrong candidates. You’ll spend hours sifting through irrelevant applications instead of focusing on top-tier talent.

And the worst one?

Poor job descriptions can lead to bad hires. When candidates don’t fully understand the role, they’re more likely to underperform or leave the job prematurely—costing you even more time and money.

What Does a Weak IT Job Description Look Like?

Let’s paint a picture of what a weak job spec might include:

1. Too Generic

“We’re looking for an IT professional with experience in development and systems management.”

What does that even mean? This type of description is too vague to attract anyone with specific skills or expertise.

2. Overwhelming Lists

“Must be proficient in 15 programming languages, have 10+ years of experience, and be available 24/7.”

Long lists of unrealistic requirements can scare off even the most qualified candidates.

3. No Personality

“Join our team. We’re a company that does IT.”

Job specs like this lack any sense of company culture or mission, making it hard for candidates to connect with your organisation.

How Coburg Banks Can Help

Struggling with weak IT job descriptions? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Coburg Banks’ IT Recruitment division is here to transform your hiring process.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Perfect Job Specs: Our team works with you to craft job descriptions that are clear, engaging, and tailored to attract the talent you need.
  • Industry Expertise: With years of experience in IT recruitment, we know what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to finding top-tier candidates in the tech world.
  • Full-Service Recruitment: From job spec creation to finalising offers, we handle the entire process so you can focus on running your business.

Our goal is simple: to help you find IT professionals who not only meet your technical requirements but also align with your company’s culture and goals.

What a Strong IT Job Description Can Do for You

Imagine this: You post a job description that’s clear, compelling, and packed with just the right level of detail.

Within days, you’re flooded with applications from candidates who are not only qualified but also genuinely excited about the opportunity. Interviews are smooth. The final hire is a perfect fit.

This isn’t a pipe dream—it’s what happens when you get your job specs right. And with Coburg Banks by your side, it’s easier than ever to make this a reality.

Ready to Strengthen Your Recruitment Game?

Don’t let weak IT job descriptions hold you back any longer. Let Coburg Banks’ IT Recruitment division help you craft job specs that attract the talent you need to drive your business forward.

Learn more about our IT recruitment services, or book a call today to discuss how we can transform your hiring process.

The right job description can make all the difference. Let’s make sure yours is working for you—not against you.

Coburg Banks IT Recruitment
We help outstanding IT professionals get brilliant jobs in top companies.

Continue reading

View all
Category one
Category two
Category three
Category four
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

What Football Can Teach You About Tech Hiring

Building a tech team is like creating a winning football squad—strategy, role clarity, and teamwork are essential. Learn how football-inspired hiring principles can transform your recruitment success.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

Why Technical Ability Isn't Enough in Developer Hiring

Technical skills alone aren’t enough when hiring developers. Discover why prioritizing soft skills like communication and adaptability is key to building stronger, more efficient teams.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

The Real Reason Your Development Team Is Underperforming

Struggling with underperforming developers? Discover the hidden hiring mistakes holding your tech team back and how to fix them.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

Why Hiring for Potential Is a Must in Today's Market

Struggling to fill IT roles? Hiring for potential, not perfection, can solve your skills gap and drive growth. Discover how this mindset shift transforms recruitment success.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

Why Tech Leaders Are Burning Out Trying to 'Fill the Gaps'

Tech leaders are burning out from juggling too many responsibilities. Discover how hiring gaps are stifling innovation and what you can do to fix it.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

Why Developers Keep Leaving Before You Can Make an Offer

Struggling to secure developers before they accept other offers? Learn how slow hiring, poor communication, and unclear expectations could be costing you top IT talent.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

How to Fix Your Offer-to-Acceptance Drop-Off

Struggling with candidates rejecting job offers? Learn the key reasons behind offer drop-offs and how to create a process that secures top talent.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

How to Use Scorecards to Align Your Tech Team on Hiring

Struggling to align your tech team on hiring decisions? Discover how scorecards can simplify recruitment, reduce bias, and help you hire the right candidate faster.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

How to Reduce Ghosting in the Hiring Process

Tired of candidates disappearing during the hiring process? Learn why ghosting happens and discover actionable strategies to keep top talent engaged.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

Why Our Clients Trust Us With Senior Dev Roles

Struggling to hire senior developers? Discover why traditional methods fall short and how tailored IT recruitment can help you secure top talent effortlessly.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

Why Hiring Managers Love Our Pre-Screened Devs

Struggling to hire the right developers? Discover how pre-screened IT candidates can save you time, reduce turnover, and ensure the perfect fit for your team.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

What Our Interview Plans Include (And Why They Matter)

Struggling to find the right IT talent through interviews? Learn how a structured, tailored approach can turn guesswork into confident hiring decisions.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

What Sets Our Dev Shortlists Apart

Struggling with shortlists full of mismatched candidates? Learn how high-quality IT shortlists save time, cut costs, and deliver the perfect fit for your team.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

How We Align With Your Internal Tech Hiring Goals

Struggling to hire the right IT talent? Discover how aligning recruitment strategies with your goals can transform your hiring process and drive success.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

Why We Offer a No-Fuss Rebate Scheme for Tech Hires

What happens when a new hire doesn’t work out? Learn how bad hires impact your business and discover a simple, risk-free solution to protect your recruitment process.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

What Sets Our Dev Shortlists Apart

Struggling with shortlists full of mismatched candidates? Learn how high-quality IT shortlists save time, cut costs, and deliver the perfect fit for your team.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

How We Align With Your Internal Tech Hiring Goals

Struggling to hire the right IT talent? Discover how aligning recruitment strategies with your goals can transform your hiring process and drive success.
Coburg Banks IT Recruitment Agency

Why We Offer a No-Fuss Rebate Scheme for Tech Hires

What happens when a new hire doesn’t work out? Learn how bad hires impact your business and discover a simple, risk-free solution to protect your recruitment process.