If you’re hiring for frontline or essential roles, your job description might be the only chance you get to connect with a candidate. And if it’s written like a corporate checklist or packed with jargon, you might be turning away great talent before they even hit “apply.”

Talroo data shows that around 70% of frontline job seekers do not have a traditional resume or a profile on major job sites. That means they’re effectively invisible to recruiters relying on standard sourcing strategies. These candidates are more likely to apply directly through mobile devices, text-to-apply campaigns, in-person, or job boards that don’t require resumes. To reach this audience, your job ads need to work harder and smarter.

Let’s look at what it takes to write inclusive, accessible job ads that resonate with real people, not just resume scanners.

Why Traditional Job Descriptions Fall Short

Many job ads unintentionally exclude the people they’re meant to attract. This happens in a few key ways:

• Overly formal or jargon-heavy language: Terms like “must possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills” can feel alienating or unclear.
• Unrealistic experience requirements: Asking for 2–3 years of experience in an entry-level role limits opportunities for those entering or reentering the workforce.
• Poor mobile formatting: Dense paragraphs and unclear formatting make job ads hard to read on smartphones, where most frontline candidates are searching.
• Implied bias: Certain phrases or tone can reinforce stereotypes and discourage diverse applicants from applying.
  

Frontline workers are more likely to come from nontraditional backgrounds. They may not have a resume ready, but they have the skills and motivation to do the job. Your job ad is your first and sometimes only opportunity to engage them.

Use Inclusive Language That Connects

Inclusive language avoids jargon, corporate speak, and assumptions. It speaks directly to the reader in plain, clear terms. That doesn’t mean dumbing things down — it means making your message easy to understand and welcoming.

Before:

“We are seeking a highly motivated, results-driven individual to execute operational excellence within a fast-paced environment.”

After:

“We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with others, can stay organized, and likes keeping things running smoothly.”

Tips for inclusive language:

• Use “you” statements to speak directly to the candidate.
• Avoid gendered terms like “rockstar” or “ninja.”
• Swap buzzwords for clear, specific actions (“lift up to 50 lbs,” “operate a cash register”).
• Be mindful of cultural context. For example, don’t assume candidates have had formal education if it’s not truly required.

Focus on Realistic, Skills-Based Requirements

Instead of listing every “nice to have,” focus on the skills and attributes someone actually needs on day one. Ask yourself: will someone without this specific credential still be able to succeed with training?

Before:

“Minimum 3 years of experience in a fast-paced warehouse environment. High school diploma or GED required.”

After:

“You don’t need warehouse experience — we’ll train you. If you’re reliable, can follow instructions, and work well with a team, you’ll do great here.”

Other strategies:

• Group qualifications into “must have” and “we can train you on this.”
• Include soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
• Remove barriers like education requirements unless legally required or directly related to the job.
  

Remember, the goal is not to lower standards. It’s to give people with the right potential a fair shot.

Make It Mobile-Friendly

Most frontline workers are searching for jobs on their phones. That means your job ad needs to be readable and scannable in just a few seconds.

Here’s how to improve readability:

• Use short paragraphs (2–3 lines max).
• Break content into bullet points and clear sections.
• Use bold headers to guide the eye.
• Avoid long sentences and technical jargon.
  

Test your ad by viewing it on your phone. If it looks like a wall of text or you have to pinch and zoom to read it, it’s time to reformat.

Bonus: Optimize Your Job Ads for Visibility

Even the most inclusive job ad won’t perform if no one sees it. Here’s how to help your listings stand out and get found:

• Use clear, common job titles like “Delivery Driver” or “Cashier” — avoid internal titles like “Customer Happiness Agent.”
• Keep titles under 60 characters to avoid being cut off in search results.
• Include location, hours, and pay rate early in the listing.
• Add keywords people are likely to search for (“part-time,” “day shift,” “no experience needed”).

Remember, job seekers are skimming. Give them the information they need upfront.

Bring It All Together: A Before-and-After Example

Before:

We are seeking a dynamic, high-energy retail associate to join our customer success team. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, be goal-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include cash handling, upselling, and maintaining inventory compliance standards.

After:

Job Title: Retail Associate
Pay: $15/hour
Schedule: Flexible shifts available, weekdays and weekends
Location: Austin, TX (Central)

About the Job:
You’ll help customers find what they need, ring up purchases, and keep the store clean and organized. You’ll work as part of a team and help keep things running smoothly.

What We’re Looking For

• Friendly and helpful attitude
• Able to stand and move around for your shift
• Can lift up to 25 lbs
• Comfortable handling cash and using a register (we’ll train you)
  

No experience? No problem. We’ll teach you everything you need to know.

Meeting Candidates Where They Are

Recruiting in today’s labor market means understanding how and where people search for jobs. For frontline and essential roles, that means rethinking the job ad — not just how it reads, but who it reaches.

Writing inclusive, clear, and mobile-friendly job ads isn’t just good practice. It’s how you connect with the 70% of workers who don’t have a resume but do have the skills and drive to succeed.

By removing barriers, choosing your words carefully, and using the right tools, you can make your jobs more accessible and appealing to the candidates you need most.

Need help reaching these candidates? Talroo’s platform is built to help employers connect with nontraditional talent at scale — no resumes required. Let’s make your job listings work for everyone.