HR/Marketing

12 Prompts for Recruitment Marketing Copy

Published 30 min read
12 Prompts for Recruitment Marketing Copy

** Why Recruitment Marketing Copy Matters in Today’s Hiring Landscape**

Gone are the days when a simple “We’re hiring!” post would flood your inbox with resumes. Today’s job seekers—especially the top talent—aren’t just looking for a paycheck. They want to know: What’s it really like to work here? Will this company help me grow? Does the culture match my values? If your recruitment copy doesn’t answer these questions, you’re already losing the battle for great hires.

The shift is real. LinkedIn’s research shows that 75% of job seekers consider an employer’s brand before even applying. And Glassdoor found that companies with strong employer branding see a 50% increase in qualified candidates. The message is clear: if you’re not selling your culture, you’re invisible to the people who matter most.

Why LinkedIn Is Your Secret Weapon

LinkedIn isn’t just a place to post job openings—it’s where professionals discover opportunities. Unlike traditional job boards, LinkedIn lets you tell stories, showcase real employees, and build relationships with passive candidates (who make up 70% of the global workforce, according to LinkedIn). A well-crafted post can turn a casual scroller into an eager applicant.

But here’s the catch: most companies get it wrong. They either:

  • Post generic, corporate-sounding updates that blend into the feed.
  • Focus only on perks (free snacks, ping-pong tables) instead of purpose.
  • Forget to highlight the people behind the brand—who are often the biggest draw.

What Makes Recruitment Copy Actually Work?

Great recruitment marketing copy does three things:

  1. Feels authentic – No buzzwords or empty claims. Just real stories from real employees.
  2. Sparks emotion – Whether it’s excitement, curiosity, or belonging, it makes candidates feel something.
  3. Clearly answers “Why us?” – What makes your company different? Why should someone choose you over the competition?

The good news? You don’t need to be a copywriting expert to get it right. That’s why we’ve put together 12 prompts to help you craft LinkedIn posts that sell your culture—not just your job openings. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s inside:

  • “A Day in the Life” – Show, don’t tell, what it’s like to work at your company.
  • “Why We Hire [Role]” – Explain what makes your team unique for a specific position.
  • “Meet the Team” – Put faces to names and let employees share their experiences.
  • “Our Biggest Challenge” – Be transparent about growth opportunities (candidates love this).
  • “What We Look For” – Go beyond skills—highlight the values and attitudes that thrive in your culture.

The best part? These prompts work whether you’re a startup, a global corporation, or somewhere in between. Because in today’s hiring landscape, the companies that win aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets—they’re the ones that tell the best stories. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

The Psychology Behind High-Converting Recruitment Copy

Think about the last time you scrolled through LinkedIn and stopped at a job post. What made you pause? Was it the salary? The job title? Or maybe something deeper—like how the company made you feel?

Great recruitment copy doesn’t just list benefits. It speaks to what job seekers really want: security, purpose, and a sense that they belong. The best companies know this. They don’t just sell a job—they sell a story. And that story starts with understanding what motivates people to click “Apply.”

What Job Seekers Really Want (Hint: It’s Not Just Money)

Most job posts make the same mistake: they focus too much on perks and not enough on why those perks matter. Free snacks? Nice. But what job seekers actually care about is whether they’ll feel valued, grow in their career, and have a life outside work.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs helps explain this. At the base, people want stability (a steady paycheck, good benefits). But higher up? They crave belonging (a great team), esteem (recognition for their work), and self-actualization (meaningful work that aligns with their values).

So how do you write copy that speaks to these needs? Start by asking:

  • Security: Does your company offer stability? (Think: remote work flexibility, strong benefits, clear career paths.)
  • Belonging: Do employees feel like they’re part of something bigger? (Highlight team culture, mentorship programs, or company values.)
  • Purpose: Does the work matter? (Show how the role impacts customers, the community, or the world.)

For example, instead of saying “We offer competitive salaries,” try: “We pay fairly because we believe your work deserves to be valued—both in your paycheck and in how we treat you.”

Why Stories Work Better Than Bullet Points

Here’s a hard truth: Most job seekers skim. They see a wall of text about “dynamic teams” and “innovative cultures” and tune out. But stories? Stories stick.

Neuroscience shows that our brains are wired to remember narratives. When we hear a story, our brains release oxytocin (the “trust hormone”), making us more likely to engage. That’s why the best recruitment copy doesn’t just tell—it shows.

Take Google. Instead of listing perks like free meals or nap pods, they share stories of employees solving real problems. One of their most popular recruitment posts featured an engineer who built a tool to help small businesses during the pandemic. The post didn’t say “We’re innovative.” It showed it.

Or look at HubSpot. They don’t just talk about their culture—they let employees do the talking. Their careers page features short videos of team members sharing what they love about working there. No scripted corporate jargon. Just real people, real stories.

How to use storytelling in your recruitment copy:

  • Highlight a day in the life. Instead of “We have a collaborative culture,” say: “Every Friday, our team gathers for ‘Show & Tell’—where anyone can share a project, ask for feedback, or just celebrate a win.”
  • Share a challenge and how your team overcame it. Example: “When our biggest client faced a crisis, our team worked through the weekend—not because we had to, but because we wanted to help.”
  • Let employees speak for you. Use quotes, videos, or even LinkedIn posts from team members. Example: “‘I joined as an intern and now lead my own team. If that’s not growth, I don’t know what is.’ — Sarah, Marketing Manager”

The Emotional Triggers That Make Candidates Click “Apply”

People don’t apply for jobs because of logic. They apply because of feeling. The best recruitment copy taps into emotions like:

  • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): “Our engineering team is growing fast—this is your chance to build something from the ground up.”
  • Pride: “We’re not just another tech company. We’re the team behind [industry-changing product].”
  • Aspiration: “Want to work on projects that shape the future? Here’s how we do it.”

One LinkedIn post that went viral used this simple but powerful line: “We’re not looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone to change it.”

No mention of salary. No list of benefits. Just a bold statement that made candidates feel like they could make an impact.

How to use emotional triggers in your copy:

  • Create urgency. “We’re hiring for this role now—apply by [date] to be considered for our next round of interviews.”
  • Appeal to identity. “If you’re the kind of person who [does X], we want to meet you.”
  • Use power words. Instead of “We’re hiring,” try: “We’re on a mission to [X]. Join us.”

Social Proof: The Secret Weapon of Recruitment Copy

Would you rather trust a company that says it’s great—or one that shows it? Social proof (like employee testimonials, team photos, or awards) builds trust faster than any corporate slogan.

Stock photos of smiling people in suits? Forget it. Real photos of your team—whether they’re in a meeting, at an event, or just hanging out—tell a story. And stories build connections.

How to use social proof without sounding fake:

  • Feature real employees. Example: “Meet Alex, our Head of Design. He joined as a freelancer and now leads a team of 10.”
  • Show, don’t tell. Instead of “We have a great culture,” post a photo of your team volunteering together with the caption: “This is what ‘giving back’ looks like at [Company].”
  • Use third-party validation. Example: “Named one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ by [Publication]—here’s why our team loves it.”

The key? Keep it authentic. Candidates can spot a fake testimonial from a mile away. But when they see real people, real stories, and real results? That’s when they start imagining themselves as part of your team.


Next up: We’ll dive into the 12 prompts that turn these psychological principles into high-converting recruitment copy. But first—ask yourself: Does your current job post make candidates feel something? Or does it just list requirements? The answer might surprise you.

Section 2: 12 Ready-to-Use Prompts for LinkedIn Recruitment Posts

Hiring the right people isn’t just about posting a job description and waiting for resumes to roll in. Today’s top talent wants to feel something when they read about your company. They want to imagine themselves in your office, laughing with your team, solving problems together. That’s where recruitment marketing copy comes in—it turns a boring job post into a story that makes people think, “I want to be part of that.”

But here’s the problem: most companies don’t know how to talk about their culture in a way that actually sells it. They either sound too corporate (“We value innovation and collaboration!”) or too vague (“We’re a fun team!”). Neither of those makes someone hit “Apply.” The good news? You don’t need to be a copywriting expert to fix this. You just need the right prompts to spark ideas—and that’s exactly what we’re sharing here.

These 12 prompts are designed to help you write LinkedIn posts that: ✅ Show, don’t tell – Instead of saying “We have a great culture,” prove it with real stories. ✅ Attract the right people – The more specific you are, the more you’ll stand out to candidates who truly fit. ✅ Save you time – No more staring at a blank screen wondering what to post. Just pick a prompt and go.

Let’s break them down one by one.


1. “A Day in the Life” – Humanizing Your Workplace

People don’t just want to know what you do—they want to know how you do it. A “Day in the Life” post gives candidates a peek behind the curtain. What does a typical Tuesday look like for your marketing team? How does your engineering team start their mornings? What’s the vibe in the office (or on Slack) by 3 PM?

How to make it work:

  • Pick one role (e.g., “Here’s what a Tuesday looks like for our Customer Success team”).
  • Show the small moments—the coffee chats, the brainstorming sessions, the quick wins.
  • Use photos or short videos if you can. A candid shot of your team laughing during a meeting is worth 1,000 words.

Example: *“Here’s what a Tuesday looks like for our UX Designers:

  • 9 AM: Coffee + quick stand-up to align on priorities.
  • 11 AM: Deep work time (no meetings, just heads-down designing).
  • 2 PM: ‘Design Crit’ session where we give each other feedback.
  • 4 PM: Someone brings in donuts (because why not?). No two days are the same, but this is the kind of rhythm that keeps us creative—and sane.”*

2. “Why We Hired [Employee Name]” – Celebrating Team Members

Your employees are your best recruiters. When you highlight why someone was hired—and how they’ve grown—you’re not just celebrating them. You’re showing potential candidates what success looks like at your company.

How to make it work:

  • Focus on growth. Did they start as an intern and now lead a project? Did they switch careers and thrive?
  • Include a quote from them. Let them share what they love about working there in their own words.
  • Tag them in the post. It makes the story more personal and encourages them to share it.

Example: *“Meet Sarah, who joined us as a Marketing Intern two years ago. Today, she leads our biggest client campaign. Here’s why we hired her (and why she stayed):

  • She asked smart questions in her interview—not just ‘What’s the role?’ but ‘How do you measure success?’
  • She wasn’t afraid to challenge ideas (even as an intern).
  • She made the team better just by being here. Sarah, we’re lucky to have you. And if you’re reading this and thinking, ‘That sounds like me’—let’s talk.”*

3. “Our Core Values in Action” – Bringing Mission Statements to Life

Most companies have core values. But how many actually live them? A post about your values in action shows candidates that you don’t just talk the talk—you walk the walk.

How to make it work:

  • Pick one value and give a real example. (E.g., “This week, our team lived our ‘Fail Fast’ value by…”)
  • Show the process. Did you try something that didn’t work? How did you pivot?
  • Make it relatable. Values like “innovation” or “collaboration” are overused. Show what they really mean to your team.

Example: *“Our value: ‘Move Fast, Learn Faster.’ This week, our Product team launched a new feature—and it flopped. Hard. Instead of hiding it, we:

  1. Held a ‘Lessons Learned’ meeting (with snacks, because why not?).
  2. Shared the feedback with the whole company.
  3. Used it to improve the next version. No blame. No shame. Just progress. That’s how we grow.”*

4. “What We Look for in [Job Title] Candidates” – Setting Clear Expectations

Generic job descriptions attract generic candidates. A post that spells out exactly what you’re looking for (and what you’re not) helps the right people self-select in—and the wrong ones opt out.

How to make it work:

  • Be honest. If you value curiosity over experience, say so.
  • Give examples. Instead of “We want team players,” say, “We want people who high-five their coworkers when they hit a goal.”
  • Include a “red flag” or two. (E.g., “If you hate feedback, this isn’t the place for you.”)

Example: “We’re hiring a Sales Rep. Here’s what makes someone thrive here: ✅ You’re more excited about solving problems than hitting quotas. ✅ You ask questions like, ‘How can I make this easier for the customer?’ ✅ You celebrate your team’s wins as much as your own. ❌ You’re not a fit if you think ‘hustle culture’ means working 80-hour weeks. If this sounds like you, let’s chat.”


5. “How We Support [Employee Benefit]” – Highlighting Unique Perks

Everyone offers health insurance and 401(k)s. What makes your company different? A post about your unique perks shows candidates that you care about their well-being—not just their productivity.

How to make it work:

  • Focus on one benefit. (E.g., “Our ‘No-Meeting Fridays’ aren’t just a policy—they’re a promise.”)
  • Explain the why. Why did you implement this perk? How does it help employees?
  • Include a story. Did someone use your learning stipend to take a course? Share it!

Example: *“Our ‘Recharge Days’ are days off on top of PTO. Why? Because we know burnout is real. Last month, our team used them to:

  • Take a solo hiking trip.
  • Volunteer at a local food bank.
  • Just sleep in and binge-watch Netflix. No guilt. No questions asked. Because happy employees = better work.”*

What’s Next?

These prompts are just the starting point. The key is to pick one, try it, and see what resonates. Not every post will go viral—but the ones that do will attract candidates who actually fit your culture.

Pro tip: Save these prompts in a doc or Trello board so you always have ideas ready to go. And if you’re not sure which one to use first? Start with the one that feels the most authentic to your team. The more real it feels, the more it’ll connect.

Ready to give it a try? Pick a prompt, write a draft, and hit “Post.” Your next great hire might be one LinkedIn post away.

How to Adapt These Prompts for Different Industries and Roles

Great recruitment copy doesn’t sound the same for every company. A tech startup talks differently than a hospital, and a senior engineer cares about different things than a fresh graduate. The best hiring messages feel personal – like they were written just for you. So how do you make your LinkedIn posts speak the right language?

Let’s break it down by industry, role level, and work style. You’ll see how small tweaks can make your posts feel more authentic and attract the right people.


Tech vs. Healthcare vs. Creative: What Changes?

Every industry has its own culture, values, and what candidates care about most. Here’s how to adjust your tone and messaging:

Tech (Startups & Big Companies)

  • Tone: Fast, innovative, a little rebellious. Tech candidates want to feel like they’re building the future.
  • Values to highlight: Cutting-edge tools, flexible work, impact on product, learning opportunities.
  • What candidates expect: Transparency about challenges, growth potential, and company vision.
  • Example prompt adaptation: “We’re not just building software – we’re changing how people [solve X problem]. Here’s how our engineers get to shape that future (and why it’s messy, exciting, and totally worth it).”

Healthcare (Hospitals & Clinics)

  • Tone: Warm, mission-driven, professional but personal. Healthcare workers want to feel their work matters.
  • Values to highlight: Patient care, teamwork, work-life balance, training and certifications.
  • What candidates expect: Stability, respect for their expertise, and a supportive environment.
  • Example prompt adaptation: “When our nurses clock out, they know they made a difference. Here’s how we support them to do their best work – without burnout.”

Creative (Agencies & Design Studios)

  • Tone: Playful, visual, story-driven. Creatives want to feel inspired and free to experiment.
  • Values to highlight: Creative freedom, collaboration, portfolio-building, fun culture.
  • What candidates expect: A place where their ideas are heard and their work stands out.
  • Example prompt adaptation: “Our designers don’t just follow briefs – they challenge them. Here’s how we give them the space to create work they’re proud of (and why clients love it).”

Senior Hires vs. Entry-Level: What Do They Want to Hear?

A mid-level manager and a fresh graduate are looking for completely different things. Your copy should reflect that.

For Experienced Hires (Career Growth & Leadership)

  • What they care about: Impact, leadership opportunities, mentoring others, solving big problems.
  • How to speak to them:
    • Show how they’ll grow with the company, not just in it.
    • Highlight leadership programs, decision-making power, and how they’ll shape the team.
  • Example prompt: “For mid-level managers: Here’s how we invest in your leadership – not just with titles, but with real influence, mentorship opportunities, and a seat at the strategy table.”

For Early-Career Talent (Learning & Mentorship)

  • What they care about: Training, guidance, a chance to prove themselves, work-life balance.
  • How to speak to them:
    • Emphasize learning, mentorship, and a supportive team.
    • Show them a clear path for growth (even if it’s just the first step).
  • Example prompt: “Just starting out? Here’s how we help you build skills, make mistakes (yes, it’s allowed!), and grow faster than you would anywhere else.”

Remote vs. Office vs. Hybrid: What Should You Emphasize?

Where people work changes how you talk about culture. A fully remote team won’t care about office perks, and an in-person company shouldn’t pretend flexibility is their biggest draw.

For Remote Teams

  • What to highlight: Global collaboration, async communication, trust, work-life balance.
  • What to avoid: Talking about office culture or in-person events (unless they’re optional).
  • Example prompt: “Why our remote team feels more connected than most in-office teams – and how we make sure no one feels like just another Slack avatar.”

For Office-Based Companies

  • What to highlight: In-person collaboration, team bonding, a vibrant workspace.
  • What to avoid: Overpromising flexibility if it’s not real.
  • Example prompt: “Our office isn’t just a place to work – it’s where ideas happen. Here’s how we make sure coming in feels worth it (hint: it’s not just about free snacks).”

For Hybrid Teams

  • What to highlight: The best of both worlds – flexibility and connection.
  • What to avoid: Making it sound like a compromise.
  • Example prompt: “Hybrid work isn’t about splitting time – it’s about choosing how you work best. Here’s how we make sure you get the focus of remote and the energy of in-person.”

Industry-Specific Templates You Can Steal

Here are plug-and-play adaptations for common roles. Just fill in the blanks with your company’s details:

For Finance Roles (Banks, Fintech, Accounting) “Numbers don’t lie – but they don’t tell the whole story. Here’s how our [finance team/analysts/accountants] get to dig deeper, ask the tough questions, and actually use data to drive decisions (not just report on them).”

For Marketing Roles (Agencies, In-House Teams) “Marketing isn’t just about campaigns – it’s about understanding people. Here’s how our team gets to experiment, fail fast, and create work that actually moves the needle (without the corporate red tape).”

For Engineering Roles (Startups, Big Tech, Hardware) “We don’t just write code – we solve problems. Here’s how our engineers get to work on [specific tech], collaborate with [other teams], and ship things that matter (not just Jira tickets).”

For Customer Support Roles (SaaS, E-Commerce, Healthcare) “Great support isn’t about scripts – it’s about empathy. Here’s how our team gets to turn frustrated customers into loyal fans (and why we actually like the tough conversations).”


The Biggest Mistake? Being Too Generic

The worst recruitment posts sound like they could be for any company. The best ones feel like they were written just for one person – the right candidate for your role.

So before you hit “post,” ask yourself:

  • Does this sound like us – or like every other company?
  • Would this make me excited to apply?
  • Does it speak to the real challenges and rewards of the job?

If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track. If not, go back and make it more specific. Your next great hire is out there – and they’re waiting for a post that speaks to them.

Best Practices for Writing and Posting Recruitment Copy on LinkedIn

You’ve written a great LinkedIn post about your open role. You hit “publish” and… crickets. No likes, no comments, no applications. What went wrong?

The problem isn’t your company—it’s how you’re talking about it. LinkedIn is crowded with job posts that all sound the same: “We’re hiring! Must have 5+ years of experience. Apply now!” If you want to stand out, you need to write copy that stops the scroll and makes candidates feel something. Here’s how to do it right.

Headlines That Make People Stop Scrolling

Your headline is the first (and sometimes only) thing people see. If it doesn’t grab attention, your post is invisible. The best recruitment headlines use curiosity, urgency, or specificity to make candidates pause.

For example:

  • “We’re hiring a Marketing Manager!” (Boring. Everyone says this.)
  • “We don’t just hire marketers—we hire storytellers who make data sing.” (Specific. Makes people curious.)
  • “Last chance: Our remote design role closes Friday!” (Urgency. Makes people act now.)

A good rule? Ask yourself: Would I stop scrolling for this? If not, rewrite it.

The Perfect LinkedIn Post Length (And How to Structure It)

LinkedIn posts between 150-300 words get the most engagement. But there’s a catch: if you’re telling a story (like an employee’s journey), you can go longer. The key is readability.

Here’s how to structure your post:

  1. Hook – Start with a bold statement, question, or surprising fact.
  2. Problem – What challenge does this role solve? (Example: “Most customer support teams are reactive. Ours is proactive.”)
  3. Solution – How does your company do things differently?
  4. Call to action – Tell people what to do next (“Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them below!”).

Use bullet points, emojis, and short paragraphs to make your post easy to scan. No one reads walls of text on LinkedIn.

Visuals That Make Your Post Pop

A post with an image gets 94% more views than one without. But not just any image will work. The best visuals for recruitment posts are:

  • Team photos (Show real people, not stock models.)
  • Behind-the-scenes clips (Example: A 15-second video of your office culture.)
  • Infographics (Example: A simple chart showing your company’s growth.)

Don’t have a designer? Use Canva (for images) or Loom (for quick videos). Even a simple iPhone video of your team working together can make your post feel more human.

When (And How Often) to Post

The best days to post on LinkedIn? Tuesday through Thursday, between 8-10 AM or 12-2 PM. But don’t just post and disappear—engagement is key.

Here’s how to boost your reach:

  • Ask a question (“What’s the most underrated skill for this role?”)
  • Encourage tags (“Tag a friend who’d love this opportunity!”)
  • Get employees to share (Example: “Our team is growing! Here’s why I love working here—share if you agree!”)

A good rule of thumb? 80% culture, 20% hiring. If every post is a job ad, people will tune you out. Mix in stories, team wins, and behind-the-scenes content to keep your audience engaged.

The Secret to Recruitment Copy That Works

Great recruitment copy doesn’t just list job requirements—it sells the experience. It makes candidates think: “I want to be part of that.”

So next time you write a LinkedIn post, ask yourself: Does this make people feel excited? Or does it just sound like every other job ad? If it’s the latter, go back and make it more human. Your next great hire is waiting.

Section 5: Measuring the Success of Your Recruitment Marketing Copy

You wrote a great LinkedIn post about your company culture. It got some likes and shares. But how do you know if it actually worked? Did it bring in the right candidates? Or was it just noise?

Many companies stop at counting applications. But that’s like judging a cake by how many people took a bite—without checking if they liked the taste. To really know if your recruitment copy is working, you need to dig deeper. Here’s how.

What to Track Beyond Just Applications

Applications tell you how many people are interested. But they don’t tell you why they applied—or if they’re the right fit. Here are the metrics that actually matter:

  • LinkedIn engagement rates – Likes, shares, and comments show if your post resonated. A post with 50 likes but 20 comments is better than one with 200 likes and no discussion.
  • Click-through rates (CTR) – If your post links to a job listing or career page, how many people actually clicked? A high CTR means your copy was compelling enough to make them take action.
  • Quality of applicants – Not all applications are equal. Are the people applying staying long-term? Do they fit your culture? Track retention rates and hiring manager feedback.
  • Time to hire – If your copy is attracting the right people, your hiring process should move faster. If it’s taking too long, your messaging might be attracting the wrong crowd.

These metrics give you the full picture. Without them, you’re just guessing.

Tools to Make Tracking Easier

You don’t need to be a data expert to measure success. Here are the tools that can help:

  • LinkedIn Analytics – Shows engagement on your posts, including who’s viewing them (job titles, industries, locations).
  • Google Analytics – Tracks traffic to your career page. Set up goals to see how many visitors turn into applicants.
  • Applicant Tracking System (ATS) – Tracks where candidates come from and how they move through your hiring process.
  • UTM parameters – Add these to your links to see which posts drive the most traffic. For example, ?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=culture_post.

Setting up these tools takes a little time, but it’s worth it. Without them, you’re flying blind.

A/B Testing: What Works and What Doesn’t

Not sure if your post should say “Join our team!” or “Build the future with us”? Test it.

A/B testing means trying two versions of the same post to see which performs better. You can test:

  • Headlines – Which one grabs attention?
  • Call-to-actions (CTAs) – Does “Apply now” work better than “Learn more”?
  • Visuals – Does a photo of your team outperform a graphic?
  • Tone – Is a casual, friendly tone better than a professional one?

Here’s an example: A company tested two versions of a “Day in the Life” post. One showed a typical workday with photos of the office. The other included short video clips of employees talking about their roles. The video version got 3x more engagement and 40% more applications.

Testing doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with one variable, run the test for a week, and see what happens.

Ask the People Who Matter: Candidates and Employees

Data is great, but sometimes you need to hear it straight from the source. Here’s how to get feedback:

  • Survey applicants – Ask them what made them apply. Was it the job description? The culture post? Something else?
  • Check Glassdoor and LinkedIn reviews – What are people saying about your company? Do your posts match their experiences?
  • Talk to your team – Ask employees what they think of your recruitment copy. Would they apply based on what they see?

One company noticed their Glassdoor reviews mentioned “work-life balance” as a big perk. They started highlighting flexible hours in their posts—and saw a 25% increase in applications from parents and caregivers.

Case Study: How One Company Increased Applications by 40%

A tech startup was struggling to attract senior developers. Their job posts were generic: “We’re hiring a Senior Developer. Apply now.” They decided to try something different.

Before:

  • Post: “Join our team as a Senior Developer. Competitive salary and benefits.”
  • Applications: 12 in a month
  • Quality: Most applicants were mid-level, not senior

After:

  • Post: “We’re building the future of AI—and we need a Senior Developer to help. Here’s what you’ll do: [specific projects]. Here’s why it matters: [impact]. And here’s why our team loves it: [employee quote].”
  • Applications: 20 in a month
  • Quality: 60% of applicants were senior-level

The difference? The new post told a story. It showed the why behind the job, not just the what. And it worked.

What to Do Next

Measuring success isn’t about collecting data—it’s about using it to improve. Here’s what you can do today:

  1. Pick one metric to focus on (e.g., engagement rate or CTR).
  2. Set up tracking in LinkedIn Analytics or Google Analytics.
  3. Run a simple A/B test on your next post.
  4. Ask one candidate what made them apply.

Small steps lead to big results. The more you measure, the better your recruitment copy will become. And the better your copy, the easier it will be to find the right people for your team.

Section 6: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Let’s be honest—writing recruitment copy that actually works is harder than it looks. You want to attract top talent, but one wrong move can make your company sound like every other job ad out there. Worse, you might accidentally set expectations you can’t meet. So how do you avoid these mistakes? Let’s break down the biggest pitfalls and how to fix them.

Overpromising and Underdelivering (The Fastest Way to Lose Trust)

We’ve all seen those LinkedIn posts: “Join our team and work from anywhere, with unlimited vacation and a fully stocked snack bar!” Sounds amazing, right? But what happens when the new hire realizes “unlimited vacation” actually means “good luck getting approval,” or the “snack bar” is just a sad vending machine?

The problem isn’t that these perks don’t exist—it’s that they’re framed in a way that feels too good to be true. Candidates start wondering: What’s the catch? Instead of making grand promises, try this:

  • Be honest about trade-offs. Example: “We offer flexible hours, but some meetings require overlap with the team’s core hours (9 AM–2 PM EST).”
  • Show, don’t just tell. Instead of saying “We have a great culture,” share a real story: “Last month, our team pulled together to help a teammate move—here’s the photo of us hauling furniture!”
  • Use the “We’re not perfect” approach. Example: “We’re still figuring out hybrid work, but here’s how we’re improving: weekly feedback sessions and a new remote-first policy.”

This way, candidates know exactly what they’re signing up for—and they’ll respect you more for it.

Being Too Generic (Or How to Sound Like a Robot)

“We’re a fast-growing company with a collaborative culture and endless opportunities for growth!” Yawn. If your post could apply to any company, it’s not doing its job. The worst part? Candidates scroll right past it.

The fix? Inject personality. Here’s how:

  • Ditch the corporate jargon. Instead of “We foster innovation,” try “Our team once built a prototype in 48 hours—just because someone said, ‘What if we tried this?’”
  • Use real voices. Quote an employee: “I joined because I wanted to work on projects that actually matter. Now I get to build tools that help small businesses grow—it’s the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.”
  • Show your quirks. Example: “We take our coffee seriously (yes, we have a fancy espresso machine), but we also have a ‘no meetings before 10 AM’ rule because we know people do their best work when they’re not exhausted.”

The goal isn’t to be funny or cute—it’s to sound like a real place where real people work. If your post could be about any company, rewrite it.

Ignoring the Candidate’s Perspective (The Biggest Mistake of All)

Most recruitment posts are all about the company: “We’re amazing! We’re growing! We’re the best!” But here’s the thing—candidates don’t care about you. They care about themselves. What’s in it for them?

Shift the focus with these tweaks:

  • Flip the script. Instead of “We offer competitive salaries,” try “Here’s what our team members earn—and how we make sure you’re paid fairly.”
  • Answer the questions they’re too afraid to ask. Example: “What our team wishes they knew before joining: 1) The first 30 days are overwhelming (but we’ll pair you with a buddy), 2) You’ll have a lot of autonomy (but also support when you need it), 3) We’re not perfect, but we’re always improving.”
  • Use “you” more than “we.” Compare:
    • “We have a great benefits package.” (Boring.)
    • “You’ll get full health coverage, a 401(k) match, and a wellness stipend—because we want you to focus on work, not bills.” (Better.)

The best recruitment copy doesn’t just sell the company—it sells the experience of working there.

Neglecting Mobile Optimization (Because Everyone’s on Their Phone)

Here’s a scary stat: Over 60% of LinkedIn users access the platform on mobile. That means if your post looks like a wall of text, most people won’t read it. They’ll scroll right past.

Here’s how to make your posts mobile-friendly:

  • Short paragraphs (2–3 sentences max). Long blocks of text are hard to read on small screens.
  • Bullet points and emojis. They break up the text and make it scannable. Example:
    • 💡 Flexible hours (but core overlap for team sync)
    • 🏠 Remote-first (with optional co-working days)
    • 🎉 Quarterly team retreats (because we like each other)
  • Clear CTAs (calls to action). Don’t make people guess what to do next. Example:
    • “Want to join us? Drop a 🚀 in the comments, and we’ll DM you the details.”
    • “Think you’d be a great fit? Apply here: [link].”

Pro tip: Before you hit “post,” check how your copy looks on your phone. If it’s hard to read, edit it.

Forgetting to Update Old Posts (The Silent Killer of Credibility)

Nothing screams “We don’t care” like a LinkedIn post advertising a job that closed six months ago. Or worse—a post about your “amazing team culture” that hasn’t been updated since 2021.

Here’s how to keep your content fresh:

  • Archive or update old job posts. If the role is filled, add a note: “This position is now closed, but we’re always looking for great people! Follow us for future openings.”
  • Refresh outdated culture posts. Example: “Last year, we said we were ‘growing fast.’ Here’s what’s changed: We’ve doubled our team, launched two new products, and moved to a bigger office!”
  • Repurpose top-performing posts. If a post got a lot of engagement, update it with new details and repost it. Example: “Our ‘Day in the Life’ post was a hit—so here’s an updated version with our newest team members!”

A little maintenance goes a long way. It shows candidates that you’re active, engaged, and actually care about your employer brand.

The Bottom Line

Great recruitment copy isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. Avoid the hype, focus on what matters to candidates, and make it easy for them to see themselves at your company. And if you mess up? That’s okay. Just own it, fix it, and keep improving.

Your next great hire is out there. Make sure they can actually see why your company is the right fit.

Conclusion: Turning Recruitment Copy into a Competitive Advantage

You now have 12 powerful prompts to make your recruitment marketing stand out. Each one serves a different purpose—some attract attention, others build trust, and a few even turn passive candidates into excited applicants. The best part? These aren’t just random ideas. They’re proven ways to make your company feel real, relatable, and worth joining.

Think of these prompts like tools in a toolbox. Some work best at the top of the hiring funnel (like “What’s the real story behind our culture?”), while others shine when candidates are already interested (like “What’s the career growth path here?”). The key is to use them consistently. Strong recruitment marketing isn’t about one viral post—it’s about showing up week after week with messages that resonate.

Here’s what happens when you do it right:

  • Faster hiring: Companies with strong employer branding see a 50% reduction in cost-per-hire (LinkedIn).
  • Better candidates: 75% of job seekers research a company’s reputation before applying (Glassdoor).
  • Stronger team culture: Employees who feel connected to their company’s mission stay 2x longer (Gallup).

Your Next Steps

Ready to put this into action? Start small:

  1. Pick one prompt this week—maybe “What’s a day in the life like here?” or “What’s the biggest misconception about working at [Company]?”
  2. Draft a post in 15 minutes. Use bullet points, emojis, or even a short video.
  3. Ask your team to share it—employee advocacy boosts reach by 561% (MSLGroup).
  4. Track what works—did it get more likes, comments, or applications?

Don’t overthink it. The best recruitment copy feels human, not polished. If you’re stuck, try this: Write like you’re explaining your company to a friend at a coffee shop. That’s the tone people respond to.

Want to go deeper? Check out these resources:

  • Book: Employer Branding for Dummies by Brett Minchington
  • Tool: Canva for quick LinkedIn post templates
  • Case Study: How HubSpot used employee stories to cut hiring time by 30%

Now it’s your turn. Which prompt will you try first? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how it goes. And if you’re feeling bold, share your draft post. Sometimes the best ideas come from real conversations.

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Written by

KeywordShift Team

Experts in SaaS growth, pipeline acceleration, and measurable results.