What Elements on a Job Posting Page Will Negatively Impact Your Google Quality Score?

With the newest updates made to Google for Jobs, it will be important for employers and ATSs to pay closer attention to the job posts they create. As of now, Google’s algorithm will reward postings that have good grammar and accurate descriptions, not to mention the direct-apply feature. Replicated posts will no longer be accepted as relevant. For ATSs, it will be essential to follow Google’s updated guidelines if they want to attract candidates with the platform.  

What happens if ATSs and employers fail to follow through with their job postings? The fact of the matter is that they’ll rank lower, reducing chances of visibility. A job posting is supposed to bring more employees to a business. If postings made by ATSs and employers fall to the bottom, they will not be taking advantage of the exposure Google for Jobs offers.

Bad Grammar 

A job description full of bad grammar is not a great indicator to the job seekers that the employer takes the position seriously or even real. Even if it’s a reputable position, a job seeker won’t want to apply if an employer won’t proofread their job posting. It reflects on the business and the way an employer approaches their team members. Google for Jobs will be eliminating positions that are illegible with bad grammar. Thus, it’s important to take grammar, spelling, and punctuation seriously. 

Replicated Posts 

From now on, Google for Job’s algorithm will consider replicated posts spam. Google will not tolerate spammers looking to lure job seekers to unscrupulous sites. When too many posts about the same position have visibility, it not only confuses job seekers but there is often a nefarious motive with these replicated posts. There have been instances of spammers using job seekers for fraudulent purposes. Potential employees shouldn’t have to worry about their safety when looking for a job. 

Inaccurate Descriptions 

Although Google asks employers to use brevity when writing job descriptions, they want them to be clear. Vague and confusing descriptions can be a safety issue for job seekers. If an employer is hesitant to reveal everything about a position, it will make applicants suspicious, and rightly so. In general, bad descriptions reflect negatively on a business. A proper job description should include a strong title and important details that every job seeker should know before applying. 

Missing Criteria Related to Google’s Schema 

It requires technical knowledge to optimize job posts, and many talent acquisition teams don’t have the resources. Google’s schema requirements can be challenging to meet, and although Google is constantly trying to make it easier for businesses and ATSs to post job data, it is still not in every company’s ability to do so.

Not Meeting the Direct Apply Requirements

Google for Jobs is now certifying sites that offer job seekers the “direct apply” experience. Google defines the direct apply criteria as: 

  • The user completes the application process on your site.
  • Once arriving at your page from Google, the user doesn’t have to click apply and provide user information more than once to complete the application process.

Postings that don’t have the smooth user experience that comes with direct apply certification will have points deducted from their quality score

To learn more about the Google For Jobs October 2021 update, see our accompanying articles:

The New Google for Jobs Guidelines – What Can An ATS Expect?

Google for Jobs October 1st Updates – What Are the Guidelines?