How to Write a Job Description That Appeals to Gen Z Candidates

Generation Z is now the dominant entry-level cohort, reshaping early career recruitment with new expectations and behaviors. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z candidates often rely solely on the job description to decide whether to apply, with limited additional research into the company beforehand. Recent data collected by RippleMatch shows that 69% of Gen Z candidates read the full job description before applying, but don't seek out further details on the organization until later stages. This makes job descriptions critical real estate for communicating essential information, as they’re often the only impression a candidate will get before deciding to apply.

With 71% of Gen Z candidates feeling they’ll need to submit over 100 applications to receive a single offer, this generation has entered what some call the “mass-apply era.” Despite the high volume of applications, they are selective about where they spend their time. For instance, 53% say they’re less likely to apply if salary information is missing. These patterns highlight a clear takeaway: a concise, clear, and compelling job description that provides all the key information up front is essential. Here are some strategies to optimize your job descriptions for Gen Z applicants.

Looking for more effective ways to appeal to Gen Z talent without burning through your recruitment budget? Learn more about how RippleMatch can help you recruit interns and entry-level talent here. 

1. Get Straight to the Point

In a crowded job market, Gen Z candidates quickly assess job descriptions to see if they align with their interests and goals. Starting with a concise, impactful overview of the role can help you stand out. Instead of lengthy introductions, open with a summary that captures the core purpose of the role and its immediate value.

Example: Instead of “We are a leading company looking for a motivated self-starter,” try “As a Marketing Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in our social media strategy, directly contributing to brand growth and engagement.”

This approach respects candidates' time while clearly outlining why the role is worth their attention.

2. Emphasize Pay Transparency

Gen Z values transparency, especially around compensation. With 53% saying they’d skip applying if salary details are missing, being upfront about pay shows respect for candidates’ time and preferences, making your role more appealing. Listing salary ranges also signals that your organization values openness, an important trait for this generation.

Example: Include a salary range, or even a total compensation range if you offer additional benefits, rather than leaving this section vague or omitting it entirely.

3. Highlight Purpose and Impact

Generation Z places a high value on roles that allow them to contribute to something meaningful. Beyond listing tasks, connect daily responsibilities to the company’s broader goals. Help candidates see the impact they’ll have on the organization and potentially the world. This reinforces a sense of purpose and can be a strong motivator for Gen Z applicants.

Example: If you’re hiring for a customer service role, emphasize how excellent service contributes to building long-term customer trust and brand loyalty. This allows candidates to connect their future work to the company’s mission and impact.

4. Provide Essential Company Information

Since many Gen Z candidates won’t seek out additional details about your organization, it’s essential to include a comprehensive “About the Company” section directly in the job description. This section should cover more than just mission and values; it should highlight aspects that make your company and industry exciting and appealing to new talent.

For example, if your organization operates in a rapidly growing or innovative field, mention it. Emphasize unique industry opportunities, groundbreaking projects, or exciting trends that make your company a great place to start a career. Gen Z candidates are often drawn to organizations at the forefront of change, especially in sectors like technology, sustainability, and social impact.

Additionally, showcasing any recent accomplishments—such as awards, major funding rounds, or strategic partnerships—can build enthusiasm and help Gen Z candidates feel they’re joining a dynamic, forward-thinking organization.

Examples:

• Mission and Values: Briefly describe the company’s core mission and values, especially if they align with causes Gen Z is passionate about, like social responsibility or innovation.
• Industry Impact: If your company is part of an exciting, fast-evolving industry—such as renewable energy, AI, or e-commerce—mention the unique opportunities this brings. “We’re at the forefront of AI development, transforming how people interact with technology.”
• Growth and Opportunities: Emphasize the company’s growth potential or career development opportunities within the industry. “We’re a fast-growing startup backed by leading investors, offering rapid career advancement as we scale.”
• Innovative Projects: If your team is working on pioneering projects or developing groundbreaking products, share a glimpse of this work. “Our team is developing cutting-edge software used by Fortune 500 companies to solve real-world challenges.”
• Achievements: List any recent accomplishments, awards, or recognitions that reinforce the company’s reputation. “Named one of the top innovative companies of the year by [Publication], we’re dedicated to pushing boundaries and making an impact.”

Including these types of details helps candidates understand the organization’s identity, culture, and growth potential. By making your company’s work and impact clear, you’re more likely to capture Gen Z’s interest and inspire them to apply.

5. Simplify and Structure for Readability

Job descriptions that are well-organized and easy to read have a greater chance of capturing Gen Z’s attention. Use bullet points to break down responsibilities, qualifications, and benefits, and avoid industry jargon or overly technical language. Clear headers and concise phrasing make it easier for candidates to find the information they need.

Example: Use bullet points for both qualifications and responsibilities, and keep each point to a single sentence when possible. This improves readability and helps Gen Z candidates quickly determine if they’re a good fit for the role.

How ChatGPT Can Help You Optimize Job Descriptions

Creating job descriptions that speak to Gen Z’s values and preferences can be streamlined with the help of ChatGPT. Here’s how you can leverage AI to make your listings stand out:

• Generate Compelling Introductions: ChatGPT can help craft a strong, engaging introduction that highlights career growth, role value, and impact in just a few lines. Prompt it with, “Summarize this role in two sentences to attract Gen Z candidates by focusing on value and impact.”

• Refine Language Around Compensation: ChatGPT can help you articulate pay transparency in a straightforward way, making it clear and appealing. Ask, “Write a sentence about pay transparency for a job description aimed at Gen Z candidates.”

• Frame Responsibilities with Purpose: ChatGPT can reframe job responsibilities to highlight how they support company goals, making the role feel more impactful. Try asking, “Showcase the connection between these responsibilities and our company mission.”

• Organize for Readability: If your text is too dense, ChatGPT can simplify it by creating bullet points and headers. For instance, you could ask, “Convert this job description into a bullet-point format for easy readability.”

By leveraging these capabilities, recruiters can save time and ensure job descriptions resonate with Gen Z candidates, giving your roles the best chance to attract qualified talent and stand out in today’s mass-apply era.