- Top 20+ Diversity Equity Inclusion Titles (with Descriptions) 2024 - October 18, 2024
- A List of Common Offensive (Exclusionary) Words Used in Job Descriptions (2024) - October 18, 2024
- Action Verbs for Job Descriptions: A Comprehensive List for 2024 - October 14, 2024
A talent leader asked me when she should use adverbs in writing job descriptions. So, it turns out that using too many adverbs in your job descriptions reduces your apply rate (more on that below).
Reminder on the definition of adverbs: adverbs are intensifier words that give greater definition to an adjective, verb or other adverb. Most adverbs end in “ly” such as highly and preferably but about 32% of adverbs do not end in “ly”, such as not, well and also.
A lot is written about using adverbs in writing resumes (see 6 Words That Might Get Your Resume Tossed in the Trash (Lily Zhang for The Muse) or Adverbs are killing your resume (and cover letter) (Consulting Recruiter Bobby Cordell)). But, there are few articles on using adverbs in writing job descriptions.
So, let me share what I know:
This job ad for Data Scientist (below) is chock full of adverbs (the underlined words).
Ongig’s Text Analyzer software shows that 6.83% of the words in the job ad below are adverbs. Text Analyzer gives the job a low Adverb Score (3.64/100) because many of the adverbs do not add value to the ad.
Adverbs in Job Descriptions: Why are Adverbs Bad in Writing?
Adverbs are often bad to use in writing because many adverbs are superfluous. Therefore, you could delete many of them and the meaning is still the same. And you tighten up your ad copy at the same time.
Ongig’s Text Analyzer finds that job descriptions that are too long (in overall length or sentence/word length) receive a lower apply rate than job ads written with tighter, simpler copy.
Remember, the busiest candidates want the job description written in Plain English (see Why I Write My Job Postings at the 8th Grade Reading Level (or Lower!). So tightening up your job ad copy helps readability.
Look at the examples in the job description above. If you deleted most of the adverbs, it wouldn’t change the meaning.
Examples:
- We are currently hiring a Data Scientist – tip: delete “currently” and you have the same meaning
- Experience with SAS is highly preferred – tip: delete “highly” and you have the same meaning
- Resolve analytics issues in a timely manner – tip: replace “in a timely manner” with “fast” (you save 3 words!)
…but many adverbs (about 36%) don’t end in “ly”, such as these common ones in the job ad above:
- The Data Scientist is quite possibly the most vital role in our organization – tip: delete “quite” and you don’t change the meaning
- …and you also love to manage people” – tip: delete “also” and you don’t change the meaning
- Partner closely with Risk Analysts… – tip: delete “closely” and you don’t change the meaning
- “We do not discriminate against…”) – tip: you’re better off writing in the affirmative: “we embrace candidates from every walk of life”
So, what are some of the top adverb culprits in poor writing?
Here’s a list of adverbs used in writing job descriptions, according to Ongig Text Analyzer. It’s the 50 most common adverbs we found from about 70,000 job descriptions. We found 743 adverbs in all but that seemed too long a list to include here. 🙂
A List of 50 of the Most Common Adverbs in Job Descriptions
| 1 | not |
| 2 | well |
| 3 | also |
| 4 | effectively |
| 5 | highly |
| 6 | first |
| 7 | closely |
| 8 | together |
| 9 | timely |
| 10 | now |
| 11 | quickly |
| 12 | always |
| 13 | here |
| 14 | so |
| 15 | independently |
| 16 | currently |
| 17 | only |
| 18 | properly |
| 19 | directly |
| 20 | back |
| 21 | close |
| 22 | successfully |
| 23 | then |
| 24 | early |
| 25 | very |
| 26 | actively |
| 27 | preferably |
| 28 | overtime |
| 29 | consistently |
| 30 | clearly |
| 31 | again |
| 32 | just |
| 33 | expressly |
| 34 | continuously |
| 35 | professionally |
| 36 | creatively |
| 37 | constantly |
| 38 | ahead |
| 39 | analytically |
| 40 | correctly |
| 41 | accurately |
| 42 | approximately |
| 43 | globally |
| 44 | fully |
| 45 | regularly |
| 46 | efficiently |
| 47 | personally |
| 48 | inside |
| 49 | continually |
| 50 | especially |
When to use Adverbs in Job Description Writing?
Remember, not all of the adverbs are bad. Some adverbs are specific and descriptive and great to use.
Examples:
“this job pays hourly” or
“create new strategic plans annually“.
Or an adverb might help you spice up a sentence such as:
“you can quickly move up the ranks of the sales team if you reach your goals.”
It’s ok to use adverbs in job descriptions. Just make sure they add more value than they are worth. If the adverb does not add value, kill it.
When it comes to a job ad, every word counts!
For more tips on writing job descriptions, check out our How to Write a Job Description — Best Practices & Examples.
The Impact of Adverbs in Job Descriptions on Candidate Perception
Adverbs in job descriptions do more than describe tasks. They also shape how potential candidates perceive your company’s culture, management style, and expectations. So, these subtle cues can influence whether a prospective candidate feels like a good fit for the role or the organization as a whole.
Reflecting Company Culture
Adverbs such as “efficiently” or “proactively” might communicate a fast-paced, results-driven culture. Thus, appealing to candidates who thrive on tight deadlines and high output. However, overusing such words might unintentionally give the impression of a high-pressure environment where work-life balance isn’t prioritized. Conversely, adverbs like “collaboratively” or “compassionately” can convey a more people-centered, supportive culture that values teamwork and empathy.
For example:
-
“Collaboratively resolve challenges” suggests a team-oriented approach, while
-
“Independently handle challenges” signals autonomy but could be interpreted as a lack of support.
Setting Role Expectations
Using adverbs in job descriptions also influences how candidates interpret the job’s key responsibilities and their day-to-day work. For instance, using “frequently” alongside tasks like “frequently update reports” implies a high workload and repetitive tasks, which may deter candidates who value variety in their roles. Alternatively, “strategically manage reports” highlights a higher-level, thoughtful approach that could appeal to candidates looking for leadership opportunities.
Adverbs like “thoroughly,” “diligently,” or “consistently” can help clarify the job’s function and emphasize attention to detail or reliability. While this attracts detail-oriented candidates, it may feel overly rigid to others who prefer a creative, flexible work style.
Highlighting Management Style
Adverbs provide clues about the authority of the person in charge and the nature of the working relationship between the candidate and their manager. For example, “closely monitor team progress” might suggest a micromanaging style. Whereas “strategically guide the team” implies leadership with a lighter touch. These subtle differences can significantly impact how future use of skills and responsibilities is perceived by candidates.
Additionally, candidates often assess whether the tone of the adverbs matches their expectations for the hiring manager’s style. So, a heavy reliance on words like “carefully” or “precisely” could indicate rigid processes. While “imaginatively” or “creatively” suggests a more open, innovative environment.
Influencing the Candidate’s Decision
Ultimately, the adverbs in job descriptions can make or break how the open position appeals to a particular person. Candidates draw conclusions about whether the role supports their common purpose, offers mutual benefit, or allows for growth to the next level. Therefore, adverbs that emphasize clear outcomes, such as “successfully lead projects,” can inspire confidence in new members. While, on the other hand, those like “flexibly adapt to new situations” can attract candidates who value variety and change.
To ensure the integrity of the project and the alignment of the job’s tone with company values, perform a careful analysis of the important facts before finalizing your job listing. Thoughtfully chosen adverbs paired with specific details and clear action verbs can strike the right balance between inspiring confidence and setting realistic expectations.
Alternatives to Adverbs in Job Descriptions: Strengthening Job Descriptions Without Overuse
Adverbs can sometimes make job descriptions wordy or unclear. So, instead of relying heavily on them, consider using action verbs and other precise language to communicate the job’s key responsibilities. This approach not only makes a job listing more dynamic but also helps attract prospective candidates who are a good fit for the open position.
Instead of Adverbs in Job Descriptions, Use Action Verbs to Drive Clarity
Replacing overly used adverbs with power verbs or action words is the best way to strengthen a great job description. For example, instead of saying “works quickly,” try “delivers results under tight deadlines.” Action verbs highlight the specific activity or specific action you want the ideal candidate to perform.
Here’s an example:
-
Instead of “effectively manages,” write “leads a team to achieve project goals.”
-
Instead of “carefully inspects,” write “conducts thorough inspections of work.”
These small changes add specific detail and clarify the job’s function or the operation of an organizational unit.
Provide Specific Details
A careful analysis of the important facts about the role can help you replace vague adverbs with precise descriptions. For instance, rather than “works independently,” write “takes decisive authority over the progress of a plan.” So, this approach highlights the authority of the person and the person tasks involved in the job’s function.
Additionally, when writing about administrative assistant roles or similar jobs, use adjective lists sparingly. Instead, focus on concrete examples, like “coordinates the use of services for new members” or “ensures privacy policy compliance at a fixed time.”
Make Use of Strong Adjectives
If you need to modify verbs, consider using strong adjectives at the front of verbs. For example, rather than saying, “writes clearly,” try “produces well-written reports.” This draws attention to the integrity of the project and the candidate’s imaginative skill in the conduct of others or the inspection of work.
Include Key Responsibilities and Specific Actions
Every job post should outline key responsibilities in a way that shows the common purpose of the role. So, instead of saying, “regularly communicates with the team,” you might write, “utilizes means of communication like email, social media, or an official account to align new members on the progress of a plan.”
Use Examples to Guide Prospective Candidates
Providing a written summary or summary of the significant features of a subject, you make it easier for potential candidates to understand the job’s expectations. For example:
-
Instead of “performs tasks efficiently,” write “executes tasks on time with particular care for deadlines and the integrity of the project.”
-
Instead of “collaborates well,” write “collects parts of a group to implement objectives for mutual benefit.”
Avoid Overloading with Adverbs in Job Descriptions
Adverbs can enhance descriptions. However, using too many can dilute the message. Therefore, the general rules of good job descriptions recommend replacing adverbs with specific actions and concrete examples that demonstrate the role’s impact. A simple way to achieve this is to focus on the numbers of a group or related actions of others, such as “leads a team of five in implementing objectives” or “coordinates new applications of principles for the future use of a process.”
Add Specific Details to Job Tasks
When detailing job tasks, focus on specific times, specified places, or definite places where the desired object will be achieved. For example, instead of “frequently organizes meetings,” write “schedules meetings at a definite place with necessary personnel to discuss subsequent action and the progress of a plan.”
Engage Candidates Through Clear Communication
Your means of communication in a job posting should also direct potential candidates to the next step. For instance, instead of “submit your resume quickly,” write “submit your resume summary and LinkedIn profile to the provided email address by the application deadline.”
The Takeaway
A well-written job description doesn’t need an overload of adverbs to stand out. However, by using strong writing, action verbs, and specific details, hiring teams can craft job posts that clearly explain the job title, job tasks, and desired object. So, this approach ensures prospective candidates have a clear picture of the role and why they’re a good fit for the open position.
Why I wrote this?
Ongig’s Text Analyzer software helps you transform your job descriptions. It does this by optimizing your text and removing unconscious bias. Please click the Request Demo button if you’d like to learn more.
