New research from ZipRecruiter indicates that a portion of job seekers desire more detailed job descriptions and upfront salary information from employers. The research found that 47% of job seekers surveyed would feel more seen if job descriptions offered greater detail, and 27% would prefer salary transparency from the outset.

Job listings have often become formulaic, which can cause candidates to scroll past them. Many online job listings are copy-pasted from older descriptions and frequently contain internal jargon. Additionally, job titles are sometimes written for internal use rather than for external candidates. These practices can lead business owners to receive few applicants per job post, with an even smaller number of qualified candidates.

Omitting salary information is a common factor in job seekers losing interest, especially since many applicants filter listings based on pay ranges. While some states have legal requirements for salary transparency in job posts, the ZipRecruiter research suggests a broader preference for this information. Most recent new hires accepted their roles because of the pay offered.

The research also showed the priorities of recent graduates entering the workforce. Approximately 47% of recent graduates would choose a smaller company with a higher social impact over a larger company known for its prestige. Employers are currently competing for talent in a digitally saturated hiring environment.

Job descriptions that feature long paragraphs and generic language often fail to differentiate opportunities for job seekers. Research indicates that many applicants, particularly those early in their careers, may not apply unless they meet nearly all listed criteria. Furthermore, complicated application processes, including those that require multiple forms or account creation, can result in many applicants abandoning the process.