SURVEY: Job ads - The good, the bad, the ugly

Which type of job ads make you rush to apply? And what are the red flags? We're on a mission to educate job-posters - and whether you're a freelancer or looking for a full-time job, we'd love your input in our quick survey below. Thank-you!

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* 1. As a job-seeker, what kind of jobs or gigs do you look for?

Freelance gigs / projects

Full-time / perm jobs

Part-time jobs

Contracts

Other (please specify)

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* 2. What's the single most important thing to you in an ad for a job or freelance gig?

It offers flexibility / remote working

It pays market rates or above

The tasks and job spec are doable for one person

It requests samples of your work rather than making you do a test

Other (please specify)

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* 3. Why is flexibility so important to you?

I'm a lot more productive in my own environment

I need flexibility so I can work and juggle family commitments

I have a disability

It helps my time management

It's the way of the world and employers need to get on board

Other (please specify)

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* 4. A job ad is perfect for your skills, but insists you must be on-site. What do you do?

Apply but try to negotiate an off-site / flexible working arrangement

Scroll on by - if they're not flexible at the start, there's no point applying

Apply, even though it's not my preferred mode of working

Other (please specify)

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* 5. How important is transparency on rates / salary in a job or gig ad?

Extremely important

Very important

Somewhat important

Not so important

Not at all important

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Is it important to you to get a reply to your application?

Yes

Other (please specify)

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* 7. You spot a job or gig ad that sounds like your bag, but they're being vague about rates / salary. How likely are you to apply anyway?

Very likely

Likely

Unlikely

Very unlikely

Other (please specify)

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* 8. Would you do an unpaid test if that was part of the criteria applying for a job or gig?

Yes

It would depend on the test and how much I wanted the job

If no, please explain why...

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* 9. Would you do a test to get a freelance job or gig if it was a paid test?

Yes

If not, why not?

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* 10. What are the three biggest red flags to you in a job or gig ad?

The company or employer is hidden, making it impossible to research them

There's an overwhelmingly long and involved job spec

The ad tries to squeeze 3 jobs into one (like 'Digital marketing content writer with PR skills')

There's an off-putting job title such as, 'Design ninja' or 'Word wizard'

The only mention of money is that rates are 'competitive' or the salary is 'commensurate with experience'

The ad offers perks, benefits or exposure instead of payment

The ad talks about 'passion' and working long hours, or mentions 'you must be ready to work hard'

The application process is unnecessarily complex and lengthy

The ad copy talks down to you, is insulting or is condescending

The ad requires a ridiculous amount of experience

The experience level doesn't match the job spec or salary (ie, they want a mid-level copywriter, but are paying junior rates)

Other (please specify)

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* 11. What would make you stop reading a job ad and keep scrolling?

The job title is unclear or vague

The ad copy is a long, waffly stream of consciousness

There are few to no sub-heads separating the information

They want a unicorn (a candidate with an almost mythical laundry list of specific skills / experience)

Really boring ad copy

Other (please specify)

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* 12. What annoys you most after applying for a job or gig?

Not hearing back from employers after I apply

Being ghosted after a potential client / employer / hiring manager has expressed interest in me

Making it to interview stage and not getting the job

Not hearing back after an interview

Other (please specify)

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* 13. What kinds of benefits would you want to see in a job ad for a perm job?

Flexible working policies / remote working options

Opportunities for ongoing training / upskilling

The chance for promotion / career growth

A supportive company culture

Healthy food / snacks on site

An easy-to-get-to, central location

An on-site gym or exercise / wellness classes

A dedication to hygiene and Covid-safe policies

Other (please specify)

SURVEY: Job ads - The good, the bad, the ugly

Question Title

* 1. As a job-seeker, what kind of jobs or gigs do you look for?

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* 2. What's the single most important thing to you in an ad for a job or freelance gig?

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* 3. Why is flexibility so important to you?

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* 4. A job ad is perfect for your skills, but insists you must be on-site. What do you do?

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* 5. How important is transparency on rates / salary in a job or gig ad?

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* 6. Is it important to you to get a reply to your application?

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* 7. You spot a job or gig ad that sounds like your bag, but they're being vague about rates / salary. How likely are you to apply anyway?

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* 8. Would you do an unpaid test if that was part of the criteria applying for a job or gig?

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* 9. Would you do a test to get a freelance job or gig if it was a paid test?

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* 10. What are the three biggest red flags to you in a job or gig ad?

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* 11. What would make you stop reading a job ad and keep scrolling?

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* 12. What annoys you most after applying for a job or gig?

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* 13. What kinds of benefits would you want to see in a job ad for a perm job?

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* 14. Is there anything else you'd like job-posters to know about writing a decent ad for a job or freelance gig?