Is Your Job Description an Evangelical Sermon? Maybe Tone It Down

Some companies write job descriptions like they’re launching a new religion.  

"We are revolutionizing the way people eat toast!"  

"We are fundamentally reshaping the nature of socks!"  

"We are changing the world one AI-powered toothbrush at a time!"  

Look, I get it—you believe in your company. That’s great. But here’s the thing: The more over-the-top your claims, the less believable you sound. Instead of attracting top talent, you might just be scaring them off (or making them laugh… for the wrong reasons).  

Do You Want to Evangelize or Connect?  

When introducing your company, ask yourself: Do you really want to take the evangelical route? Because when you declare that you are revolutionizing an industry, you don’t sound like a solid, trustworthy company—you sound like a cult leader handing out pamphlets at the airport.  

You might truly believe in your mission, but is it believable to the people reading it? Candidates aren’t looking for a faith-based movement; they’re looking for a good job. Instead of preaching, focus on connecting.  

Exhibit A: The Over-the-Top Introduction  

"At [Company Name], we are on a sacred mission to transform the very fabric of [Industry]! Our groundbreaking, never-before-seen solutions are revolutionizing the way [People] experience [Thing]! Join us as we disrupt, innovate, and change the world!"  

How does that sound? Dramatic? Unhinged? Like you require a blood oath before onboarding? Exactly.  

Exhibit B: The Connection-Driven Introduction  

"At [Company Name], we’re tackling [Real Problem] in [Industry] by doing [Simple, Clear Solution]. Our work has helped [Customers] achieve [Tangible Benefit], and we’re excited to keep building solutions that matter. If you like working with smart people and making a real impact, let’s talk."  

See the difference? No preaching. No hyperbole. Just clarity and connection.  

Imagine If Candidates Talked Like That  

Let’s flip the script. What if job seekers adopted the same revolutionary tone in their applications?  

Evangelical Candidate:  

"I am here to transform your company from the ground up! My unparalleled skills in Excel will revolutionize your spreadsheets! My PowerPoint game will disrupt and reshape your meetings forever!"  

Sounds a little unhinged, right? If you’d roll your eyes at a candidate saying this, why write your job descriptions the same way?  

What’s Next?  

If you want to attract candidates who are self-aware, thoughtful, and clear about their mission, you need to be clear, too. Your introduction should inspire confidence, not demand belief.  

In future posts, we’ll explore how to craft a company introduction that is strong, engaging, and—most importantly—believable. Because let’s face it: You’re probably not leading a revolution. And that’s okay.