You’re spending on job ads.
You’re posting regularly.
But something’s off – the results don’t match the investment.
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. It is surprisingly common and often invisible until it’s costing you both time and talent. Here’s where it tends to hide (and what to do about it).
1. Overposting roles
It might feel like more = better. But reposting the same job too often (or in too many places) can dilute performance and waste spend. Instead you can:
- Prioritise key roles
- Give each ad time to perform
- Focus on optimising one listing, not five copies of the same thing
2. Duplicate job ads
Different job titles, same role. Or worse, the same title and wording posted under multiple IDs.
This can confuse job seekers, make your company look disorganised, and reduce click-through rates. What we suggest you do is:
- Audit your live roles weekly
- Use structured campaigns with clear rotation plans
- Stick to one live version per role per platform
3. Unclear or generic job ads
Even with budget behind them, poor ads fall flat. If the content doesn’t connect, candidates scroll past and your spend goes with them. Here’s how you can fix this:
- Be specific, not fluffy
- Focus on why the role matters to the candidate
- Use real language, not HR jargon
4. Poor apply journeys
You’ve paid to get them to the ad, but if the apply process is clunky, slow or confusing, you’ll lose them before they hit ‘submit’. You should:
- Use Direct Apply where possible
- Test your apply journey on mobile
- Remove unnecessary steps, logins, or duplicate questions
5. Spreading budget too thin
Trying to run too many roles at once often means underfunding each one, resulting in low visibility and high cost-per-hire, what we recommend is:
- Focus budget on your highest priority or hardest-to-fill roles
- Rotate campaigns in waves
- Track what works and reallocate accordingly
Recruitment media shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.
With the right structure, better copy, and a bit of ongoing attention, your spend can stretch further and actually lead to the results you’re aiming for.
We’re always happy to take a peek at your media spend – no strings attached, just honest advice.
