Beyond Salary: How Award-Winning Employers Attract More Jobseekers on FastJobs

With hiring competition heating up, it's no longer enough to simply post a vacancy and wait. Jobseekers today have more choices—and higher expectations—when it comes to selecting the jobs they apply to. At FastJobs, we analysed the top 30% of job posts in 2024 that attracted the highest number of local applicants. The patterns were clear, and the message to employers is even clearer: it’s time to go beyond salary and start offering what jobseekers really care about.

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What Are Jobseekers Really Looking For?

Based on our data, job posts that performed best shared a few common traits:

• Competitive Salary Displayed: Jobseekers are more likely to apply when salary transparency is present and the remuneration is generally based on the average salary for a specific job in a given location and industry.
  
• Short and Precise Descriptions: Clear responsibilities and duties help applicants make faster decisions.
  
• 40-Hour Work Weeks + Overtime Pay Options: While jobseekers continue to prefer full-time roles for stability and job security, many are placing greater importance on work-life balance. Job ads that clearly state standard working hours—along with fair compensation for overtime—stand out by showing respect for employees’ time and well-being.
• Company Culture Highlighted: Jobseekers today want more than just a job—they’re looking for the right fit. Highlighting your company culture, mission, and values in your job ad can make a big impact.

In your job post, include:

• A short intro about your mission and values
  
• What makes your workplace unique—like team spirit, flexibility, or career growth
  

On the FastJobs platform, you can go further by adding:

• Photos or short videos of your team, office, or team bonding events
  
• Employee quotes or “day in the life” clips
  
• Branded visuals to boost recognition and trust
  

These small touches help jobseekers connect with your company—and hit 'apply' faster.

• Tangible Benefits Listed: Staff discounts, bonuses, healthcare, travel allowance, training, and promotion opportunities make a big difference.
  
  

These insights helped us identify the recipients of the FastJobs Most Popular Employer Award—a recognition we give to companies who consistently attract and engage the right talent through their high-performing job ads.

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So, How Did These Employers Do It?

Apart from aligning their job ads to what candidates want, these top employers also tapped into powerful tools available right on the FastJobs platform. And now, you can too.

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Here’s What You Can Start Using Right Away:

1. AI-Generated Job Descriptions

Not sure how to write a compelling job ad? FastJobs' AI Job Description Generator allows you to instantly craft professional, relevant job descriptions with just the right prompt. Whether you're hiring for retail, F&B, logistics or customer service roles, the AI helps you get your posting live—fast and optimised.

2. Salary Benchmark Tool

Take the guesswork out of compensation. Our Salary Benchmark feature enables you to compare your salary offerings against similar roles in your industry. Stay competitive, avoid underpricing your job, and appeal to jobseekers who are screening for transparency and value.

3. Key Performance Tracking

Get real-time insights on how your job posts are performing with data on impressions, views, and applications. Whether you're experimenting with different headlines or benefits, the platform gives you a quick way to assess what’s working and what’s not.

4. Conversion & Market Insights

Want to know what other employers in your space are doing differently? Use Conversion & Market Insights to explore top-performing job ads within the same sector. This helps you refine your approach and make strategic adjustments based on real-time market trends.

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Ready to Post Smarter?

Join the ranks of award-winning employers who are already seeing better applicant quality and faster fill rates. Log in to your FastJobs account today to explore our enhanced tools—or get in touch with your account manager for a customised hiring package.

Let’s help you attract the right people—faster.

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