If your job advert isn’t attracting the right candidates, the issue usually isn’t the market, it’s the message. Strong finance professionals in manufacturing aren’t applying to everything.
Here’s where most job ads go wrong.
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Too focused on responsibilities.
Most job descriptions list tasks so the advert reads like a job description.
They don’t explain why the role matters. Candidates want to know what they’ll improve, what challenges they’ll solve, how they’ll add value.
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No insight into the business
“Manufacturing business in Lancashire” isn’t enough. Candidates want context.
- Size and Scale
- Growth Plans
- Team Structure
- Culture & Development
- Leadership
Without it, they can’t assess fit.
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No mention of systems or processes.
In manufacturing finance, systems matter.
- Is there an ERP system in place with lots of automation?
- Or are your processes manual?
- Will there be upcoming change or transformation?
Being up front about the role will attract the right candidates, and it’ll deter those that aren’t. Which is a good thing long term.
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Lack of transparency on salary
This is a big one. If there’s no indication of salary strong candidates often won’t apply, and if they do – you risk misaligned expectations.
Transparency saves time for everyone.
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No differentiation
Most job ads sound the same, and let’s be honest, there are lots of them online. To stand out, you need to show what’s different about your business, what the opportunity really offers and why someone should choose you.
Two job descriptions on paper can look exactly the same, but the reality of those roles will be entirely different. Think about the objectives of the role, not just the duties, and why someone would want to apply to your position and lean in on those points.
Remember…
A job advert shouldn’t be just list of tasks; it’s your first chance to engage the right person and if you don’t in that advert, you’ve lost them.