If you had just five minutes to fix a job post before it went live again, what would you do?
That’s exactly what I asked my guest, Sarah Akida, on this episode of The JD Fix. We pulled apart a real job description that made us both wince—think confusing acronyms, fluff-filled language, and yes, even a request for a specific accent.
😬 Yep. That happened.
But here's the good news: with just a few thoughtful changes, we turned it into something far more effective and inclusive—without needing hours of editing or an overhaul.
What Was Wrong?
Accent request: This was the biggest red flag. It’s exclusionary and inappropriate in a JD.
Misleading title: The job title didn’t match the responsibilities.
Fluffy language: Phrases like “go-getter” added hype but no clarity.
Unexplained acronyms: Internal jargon can confuse and alienate candidates.
What We Changed in 5 Minutes
Removed the bias (like the accent ask)
Aligned the title to reflect actual work
Replaced filler with specific, clear requirements
Clarified or cut acronyms
Made the tone more human and candidate-friendly
🎙️ Why It Matters
Job descriptions don’t need to be fancy.
They need to be real.
Every word sends a signal. When you use biased, vague, or bloated language, you risk turning away great talent. But with small tweaks, you can make your job posts more inclusive, more honest, and more effective.
📣 Send Us a JD!
Got a job description that made you cringe? Or one you’re proud of?
We’d love to feature it in a future episode. Send it over to sales@ongig.com.
Thanks for tuning in, and remember:
Clarity is inclusive. And five minutes might be all you need to make a difference.
Happy hiring!
