As an employer, there may be a few buzzwords that are your go-to when writing job descriptions or information about your company. Over the years, candidates have learned to be wary of specific phrases or buzzwords, as they can typically point to deeper issues within the company.
“Family company”
To many applicants, “family company” indicates that a company is poorly run or unprofessional—not organized and filled with the best of the best like a “normal” company. It could point to the fact that “family”-like expectations are being put on employees. This could include favors like unpaid overtime, putting up with difficult people/poor treatment, or making sacrifices for the good of the whole.
While these things may be appropriate for one’s real family, they are far from what candidates seek in a potential employer. Don’t scare people away by misrepresenting your company! If you are trying to convey a friendly company full of people who have each other’s backs (or something similar), use those words instead!
“Wear many hats”
While a company may think this shows that they offer many diverse opportunities, allowing employees to get experience in many realms, this can make it seem like the company expects their employees to spread themselves too thin instead of hiring for multiple roles.
If your company doesn’t want to spread your employees too thin, but you would like to offer them many opportunities, or you are hiring for a position that works in diverse environments, make this clear! If your inclination is to use the words “wear many hats,” instead, explain what you mean by it.
“Flexible hours”
Though this could seem like a significant positive part of the job at first glance, some candidates may be wary of it. Some companies use “flexible hours” to really mean that people are expected to work extra hours outside of the “typical” work schedule.
If what you really want to communicate is flexible start and end time for an 8-hour work day or flexibility regarding personal needs or appointments, it may be better to say, “schedule allows great work/life balance” or mention that the 8 hour work day has flexible start and end times.
“Highly competitive environment”
The last thing employees want is to be pitted against one another. Dubbing your work environment as a competitive one could turn some candidates off, as many do not want their work environment to be anxiety-inducing.
Words to better describe your company’s working environment may be “fast-paced,” “growth fostering,” or “hard-driving.” Additionally, you may describe what exactly makes your working environment this way!
The key to describing your company well is to do just that—truly describe it rather than just dropping buzzwords into the job description and going on your merry way. Try your best to convey what it is really like to work at your company—how does it benefit them?
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