When creating a job advert, keeping it short and simple is often key to attracting as many prospective candidates as possible.
Yet, a recent job advert posted by a ‘well-known’ LA-based influencer has since gone viral for its list of demanding requirements.
The job posting – which was originally posted on EntertainmentCareers.net – is recruiting for a ‘part-time’ personal assistant where the person would be required to be on-site for eight hours per day and be on-call 24/7 – the Sun reported.
In addition to this, the advert stated that candidates should, among other things, feel comfortable managing diary activities, cleaning, cooking, communicating with external professionals such as producers and stylists and handling personal tasks for the YouTuber – who claims to have more than 10million followers.
Only if, or when, the candidate is able to demonstrate that they are ‘properly qualified’ will they be able to work full-time in the role.
‘Limited time off and remove emotion’
Taking ‘minimal days off’ and ‘must live 40-60 minutes away from Los Angeles’ were other requirements of this role which promises £19 to £22 ($25 to $30) per hour.
"You must keep all emotion/private life matters completely away from this world. You will deal with lots of incredibly private matters,” part of the job advert read.
"You must be able to be the bad guy, remove emotion, handle intense conversations, and bounce back instantly from any mistakes without emotion.
"You must remain sober yet social and inviting in very high-profile environments. You can not take photos, post to social media, or be/seem driven by fame.
“Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over you must be willing to travel anywhere at any time," the advert added.
With the advert suggesting that the new hire should only take ‘minimal days off’ and juggle a demanding list of responsibilities, this highlights problems for HR in terms of burnout.
Last year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) put burnout on its International Classification of Diseases list (ICD), which is used as a global benchmark for health diagnosis.
Taking time off and getting away from the working environment is a crucial way for employees to avoid burnout and to recuperate.
‘Business acumen & ambition’
However, this isn’t the only instance that a job advert has hit headlines for its demanding nature.
Earlier this year, HR Grapevine came across a lengthy job advert for a web developer role in Colchester with a whole host of demanding expectations.
The now-expired job advert was looking for a full-time web developer with a minimum of ten years’ experience in the field in return for a starting salary of £25,000 in the first year of employment.
An exhaustive list of requirements regarding personal conduct, expectations, key skillsets, as well as the nitty-gritty of work-related tasks were included in the listing.
When it came to employee expectations, the listing included among other things: punctuality, efficient working, business acumen, and an ambition to grow as must-have traits.
HR best practice when writing job adverts
Mandy Watson, Managing Director at recruitment firm Ambitions Personnel previously told HR Grapevine that the sheer level of detail indicated that it wasn’t a job advert, rather a job description “and a demanding one at that”.
Watson explained: “If the intention was to grab people's attention, then mission accomplished. However, whether it would attract the company's ideal candidate is debatable.
“Our advice is always to put yourselves in the candidate's shoes, if you can imagine wanting to apply for a position that you've described, then you're probably on the right lines," she added.
From experience, Watson said that when it comes to job adverts, the most effective tend to be those that are ‘succinct and tempt candidates to apply’.
“The initial pitch, especially in a candidate-led market as we've seen recently, must capture the person's imagination and interest,” she added.
When crafting job adverts to attract fresh talent into the business, it is crucial for HR professionals and hiring managers to keep it short and simple.
The key takeaway, as Watson explained, is to put yourself in the candidates shoes when writing the job advert to ensure that it is attractive and appealing.
Ria