Cog in the Machine
Based on what I have read on my own generation, it is probably not just me who often frowns when reading job advertisements. Not because it is frustrating to look for a job, send your CV to dozens of places, and wait for their call. It is simply just sad to see how much employers are unaware of how these texts are structured and, as a result, of what these workplaces suggest about themselves. Times are changing: it is high time employers re-think who they communicate to and how they communicate when hiring.
Whenever I have got a new job, my mother always says the same things.’Appreciate it, do your best, and work hard to make them want to keep you.’ Certainly it has never been about my dedication. What she does not really understand is that it is a whole new world now; she has been working at the same place since she graduated and cannot see how much the labor market has changed in the meantime. Possibilities now are basically endless and the question is not whether you have got a job but how satisfied you are with it. Is it pleasing to you? Are you happy with working there? Are you appreciated? Do they do anything to make you want to stay?
I know what some from older generations may think - we, millennials, are lazy and spoiled by the comfort of modern life. We are considered disloyal and scared of commitment, thought to not be able to value anything we have or that we could acquire. I completely disagree. We are not running from – we are running to.
And this is exactly what employers should keep in mind instead of drafting another boring and unappealing job advertisement. That is the first impression we make of a company and there are more and more of us who must be addressed in a new way to become interested.
What should be changed?
Most importantly, the imbalance between the different descriptions. Why is it that we can read a great deal of text on what the duties, tasks and expectations are, but it is always just very few short, commonplace lines when it comes to explaining why it is worth applying for the given position? (Not to mention those corporates which do not write anything about why we should choose them.)
It would be also great to see something specific. We all know what will be listed in the ’what we offer’ section: (competitve?) salary, development opportunities, interesting projects and a professional team to be part of. If it is a modern workplace, they will also add the possibility of working from home sometimes; however, if they are just a little bit creative, they will refer to their delicious coffee provided for free. It is all great but with these perks being offered everywhere, they are neither unique, nor attractive.
One way or another, companies should focus more on how they portray themselves. Showing a positive picture on their website is a must, but can be ineffective if poorly edited job advertisements are the first thing we come across. They suggest they need just another cog in the machine and I personally couldn’t think of anything more demotivating.
