18 April 2026 · 4 min read
What candidates scan first
The fields candidates check before deciding whether a charity job is worth a deeper read.
Candidates usually decide whether to keep reading before they reach the end of an advert. The first scan is practical.
Salary and hours
People need to know whether a role is financially possible. Put salary, hours, and contract type where they can be found quickly.
Location and flexibility
Remote, hybrid, and on-site expectations should be unambiguous. If there is flexibility, describe the boundary rather than using vague phrases.
Core responsibilities
Candidates want to know what they will actually spend time doing. Three to five concrete responsibilities are more useful than a long generic list.
Application effort
If the process needs a form, statement, work sample, or supporting document, say so. Candidates are more likely to complete applications when the effort is predictable.