What Is a Job Advertisement (And How’s It Different From a Job Description?)

Heather Barbour Fenty
Latest posts by Heather Barbour Fenty (see all)

This question comes up all the time: what even is a job advertisement?

And it’s a fair one because most companies blur the line between job ads and job descriptions, like it’s no big deal. But if you’re trying to attract better candidates (or just write something worth reading), the difference matters.

what is a job advertisement

Job Ads vs. Job Descriptions: Quick Breakdown

Let’s keep it simple:

  • Job Ad = Marketing. It’s the thing you post online to attract people. Think headlines, hooks, and selling the role.
  • Job Description = Legal doc. It’s internal. It spells out duties and requirements in detail (and usually in very dry language).

Still confused? We wrote a full breakdown here: Job Descriptions vs. Job Postings vs. Job Ads.

What Makes a Job Advertisement?

A good job ad answers one question for the candidate: Why should I care?

It usually includes:

  • A clear, compelling job title
  • A short intro (1-2 sentences) about the role
  • Key benefits or selling points (what’s in it for them?)
  • A few bullets about responsibilities and qualifications (but not a wall of text)
  • A clear call-to-action: Apply now, Join us, etc.

The best job ads skip the fluff. They speak directly to the person reading them and give them a reason to apply (not just a list of duties). They also avoid internal jargon and corporate speak. You don’t need to “leverage synergies”—you need to tell a person why the role is worth their time.

Mitch Sullivan Explains It Best

If you’ve ever Googled “recruitment copywriter,” you’ve probably found Mitch Sullivan from Copywriting for Recruiters. He’s built a career (and a course) around helping recruiters write job ads that don’t suck. One of his most shared ideas?

The job ad isn’t just a copy/paste from the JD. It’s a pitch.

We couldn’t agree more. You’re not just listing duties, you’re inviting someone into your company’s story. And the way you do that matters. Mitch often shows side-by-side comparisons of real job ads and the small tweaks that make a big difference in readability and response rates. He’s helped thousands of recruiters reframe their thinking around job ads—and if you’re looking to improve your copy, he’s a must-follow.

How to Tell If You’re Writing a Job Ad (or Just Posting the JD)

  • If it opens with “Our client is a leading provider of…” — it’s probably a JD.
  • If it reads like something a real person would say out loud — it’s probably a job ad.
  • If it includes salary, benefits, and team info — that’s job ad territory (and smart, too).

The best job ads use marketing tools to attract the right people — not just anyone. They’re short, punchy, and focused on what matters most to the candidate.

Can You Use a JD in a Job Ad?

You can, but you probably shouldn’t. Most job descriptions are way too long, boring, or outdated to work as effective ads. If you have to include it, trim it down and rewrite the intro. Make sure the top third of your ad sells the role — fast.

Here’s a good rule:

If a job ad reads like it was written for internal HR documentation, it probably won’t perform well externally. Candidates are skimmers. You have a few seconds to hook their interest. Don’t waste it with boilerplate text or 30-line requirement lists.

Real Talk: Candidates Can Tell the Difference

Job seekers aren’t dumb. They know when something was written with them in mind—and when it was slapped together last-minute. If your job ad sounds human, shows a bit of personality, and respects their time, you’re already ahead of most employers out there.

And here’s the kicker: Writing job ads that perform doesn’t mean being flashy. It means being clear. Honest. And maybe even a little fun.

Why I Wrote This

At Ongig, we’ve read thousands of job descriptions and helped rewrite just as many. We wrote this because “What is a job advertisement?” is one of the top questions HR folks ask. And most of what’s online is either outdated or way too academic. If you want help turning your JDs into great job ads, request a demo, and we’ll show you how.

FAQs

What is a job advertisement?

A job ad is a short, compelling pitch used to attract candidates. It’s posted online and highlights the best parts of the job.

Is a job ad the same as a job description?

Nope. A job description is usually internal and formal. A job ad is public-facing and designed to spark interest.

What should be included in a job ad?

Clear title, short intro, key benefits, top responsibilities, and a call-to-action.

Can I just copy my job description into a job ad?

You can, but it probably won’t perform well. Candidates scan. Job ads need to grab attention fast.

How can Ongig help?

Ongig helps you write inclusive, search-optimized job ads that attract better talent. Check out our demo.

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