Why are job descriptions so vague!?

[Deluded]

Looking for work on the usual sites and finding it frustrating trawling through a massive description about how they want amazing people to work for an amazing company etc. blah blah blah, only to then not actually tell you what the job is for.

Why? Surely, just like me, most people will just ignore these ads and move on? I don't see why anyone would apply just to see what its for.

[rog007]

Common failing of HR departments, communicating words that do not resonate with the readership. It's simply a lack of the correct skill sets. They think they know what they are saying but have not validated that what they have said will be understood. You can either bypass them, as you are doing, at risk of missing an opportunity, or call them and ask for clarity. This of course may switch them off to you (they may interprate your query as a suggestion they haven't done their job properly...), but then you'd have to ask yourself would you wish to work for them if that was their style? Good luck!

[Guvna]

I think recruitment consultants are mainly to blame to this.

less specific = more applications = bigger database

[edc]

It's a crap hr person that writes a job description unilaterally without any consultation with the business. Blame the manager. They often don't want to invest the time. On a different note please bear in mind a job ad is not the same as a job description.

[adycav]

Bypass all the rubbish in the ads and go straight to the Job Description & Person Spec if present, usually as a pdf or word file.

[okgo]

Because usually the job doesn't actually exist!

[EDLT]

It usually an agency trawling for CVs, or an exceptionally stty call centre.

[XJSJohn]

okgo said:

Because usually the job doesn't actually exist!

Or the agency is afraid that if they are too specific that someone else will poach the position.

[Funk]

okgo said:

Because usually the job doesn't actually exist!

I'm finding this.

[dudleybloke]

its worse when the job is spelt wrong.

there's a cnc language called fanuc but i'v seen it spelt fonok, funac, fenic, sanac and pretty much anything except how its supposed to be spelt.
i'v even had arguements with recruitment agents who wont accept that they're wrong.

but there's plenty of job ads that say 'machine setter, must be fully experienced' but dont say what machines.
sewing machines?
rowing machines?
narrow it down a bit please!

[Engineer1]

Chances are if an agency has actually got as far as posting an ad then the job spec and person spec has some Odd skill set they cant find or cant understand. Agencies will search the job boards for candidates before they post an ad so a general ad could be down to crap instructions from the client and no technical knowledge of the job being offered.

[Carrot]

I always love the IT jobs that have clearly never been looked over by anyone remotely in the industry.

Saw one on CW jobs a few months back

Asking for - (from memory, I know I have missed some out...)

Junior IT / 1st line support

Training provided - must be PC literate and competent with Word / Excel.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS
In depth knowledge of SQL Queries
In depth knowledge of Exchange 2000/2003 and on
In depth knowledge of SAN
In depth knowledge of Microsoft Server NT/2000/2003/2008
In depth knowledge of Linux / HPUX / IBM Server Solutions
In depth knowledge of Active Directory, group policies, DNS, WINS
In depth knowledge of McAfee Epo systems and remote deployment of software (SCCM / SMS / SCOM)

ADVANTAGEOUS SKILLS
Linux multi-platform desktop support
StorageTek Silo / robot repair experience
Java scripting and VB .net proven track record


This is a contract role, rate of up to £14pph. Urgent start. Watford.



Oh how we laughed...

[okgo]

they probably filled it though.

[Carrot]

okgo said:

they probably filled it though.

Frighteningly, yes....