Job Descriptions vs. Job Ads: Clearing Up the Confusion

While the debate over how to pronounce “potato” may be lighthearted, one thing is certain: when prepared well, potatoes are universally enjoyed. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for job descriptions and job ads. These essential HR and recruitment marketing tools are frequently mistaken for one another, resulting in underwhelming outcomes and missed opportunities.  

As the head of AGS Ignite, a creative agency focused on employer branding and talent attraction, I see the confusion between job descriptions and job ads all the time. When our team partners with your in-house branding experts as part of your recruitment process outsourcing (RPO) solution, we make sure your recruiters don’t just echo your employer brand — they amplify it, delivering a candidate experience that stands out from the crowd. 

There’s no need to lose hope. By defining the distinct roles of job descriptions and job ads, you can turn both into powerful tools, ensuring your message lands with real impact. 
 

Defining Essential Job Tools 

To truly harness the benefits of these tools, it's important to first understand what sets job descriptions and job ads apart.

Job Descriptions

HR, finance and leadership all appreciate the structure that a well-written job description brings to the table. Owned by HR, it neatly summarizes the role and required qualifications, providing finance with the information they need to set a competitive salary range and forecast costs with confidence. It’s the essential blueprint for defining responsibilities and expectations.

Job Ads

A job ad is where the magic happens. Owned by the recruitment marketing team, job ads act as your organization’s invitation to the talent marketplace — an engaging, story-driven showcase designed to attract qualified candidates while elevating your employer brand. When well-crafted, a job ad sparks curiosity, paints a vivid picture of the opportunities ahead and motivates candidates to take the leap and apply.

Getting the Right Tools in the Right Hands 

Some might argue I am creating a mountain out of a molehill. However, I contend that clearly defining who owns each tool and assigning the correct team to create them allows the mountain to be eroded down to a molehill. Overlooking what makes job ads unique can lead to them being overlooked or underutilized, diminishing their role in connecting with and attracting the right talent for your organization. 

 Ensuring each team is equipped with the right tools enables us to attract better talent and strengthen our employer brand. Much of the reason we encounter lackluster job ads in the market today is because job descriptions and job ads are often treated as synonyms. They are not. Job descriptions define roles and responsibilities, while job ads are meant to entice talented individuals to consider taking on those responsibilities and joining your team. Clarity of terminology and ownership allows us to ensure the right team is using the right tool at the right time.  

While both job descriptions and job ads have their place, as a storyteller, job ads have the added value of sharing a well-crafted, engaging narrative — one that not only informs but also inspires candidates to envision themselves in the role and take action. 

 
Unlocking Talent Through Purposeful Messaging 

At AGS Ignite, we care about these differences because our team specializes in using storytelling to craft impactful job ads and clear job descriptions. We help clients attract top talent and strengthen their employer brand by ensuring every message resonates and stands out in the marketplace.