The JD Fix: Quick Fixes. Smarter Job Descriptions. Better Hiring.

In this short episode of The JD Fix, host Heather Fenty breaks down what Quebec’s Bill 96 means for HR software companies and talent leaders operating in Canada.🔍 What We Cover:The basics of Bill 96 and its update to Quebec’s Charter of the French LanguageWhat “software compliance” really means — and why it includes both candidate-facing and admin-side interfacesHow HR tech vendors (including Ongig) are adapting by adding a French user interface (UI)Why localization is not just about compliance — it’s about inclusion and user experienceWhat global HR and product teams can learn from Quebec’s approach to language accessibility💡 Key Takeaways:If your HR tools are used in Quebec, they must be fully available in French — no exceptions.Compliance is just one piece of a bigger picture: building inclusive, multilingual experiences for global teams.Ongig’s new French UI is designed to make switching languages as simple as turning on dark mode.Expect to see more multilingual UIs across HR tech as companies expand globally.🛠️ Resources Mentioned:Bill 96 — Charter of the French Language Update (2022)Ongig’s Blog on HR Tech & Compliance Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The JD Fix, I chat with Kat Kibben — founder of Three Ears Media, LinkedIn Top Voice, and author of The Bounce Back Factor — about what it really means to lead when you’re burned out and tired of pretending everything’s fine.We talk about:Why burnout feels different right nowHow fear and uncertainty shape leadershipThe link between self-compassion and better teamsAnd the one small thing you can do today to bounce backIf you’re ready to lead with more honesty, rest, and resilience — this one’s for you.📘 The Bounce Back Factor → https://amzn.to/4hrbitl🌐 threeearsmedia.com Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when a small TA team of fewer than 10 people is tasked with fixing over 4,000 job descriptions—all while keeping recruiting operations running?In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather Fenty shares a behind-the-scenes story from a healthcare organization that turned an overwhelming JD cleanup into a scalable, streamlined process.You’ll hear:The common pitfalls of large JD libraries (bias, missing sections, formatting chaos)How one team leveraged just two templates and AI-assisted optimization to save hundreds of hoursThe measurable results: JD scores skyrocketing, bias scores improving, and recruiters saving serious timeWhy you don’t need a big team to make a big impactIf you’ve ever stared at a mountain of messy job descriptions, this episode will show you there’s a better way.👉 Learn more at ongig.com/request-demo. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Managing job ads at scale can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling dozens, hundreds, or even thousands across a team. In this episode, I share how you can pair Mitch’s.ai, one of the best AI job ad tools I’ve tested, with Ongig’s platform to take your hiring content to the next level.You’ll learn:Why I test new job ad tools (and why Mitch’s.ai stands out).How recruiters can use AI to write better job postings, faster.Where Ongig fits in—helping you analyze, templatize, store, and scale all your job content in one place.Why combining AI speed with Ongig’s structured workflows is the best long-term strategy.If you want to see how Ongig can help you write, store, and scale better job postings, head over to ongig.com to request a demo. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather Fenty sits down with Ongig writer Laurenzo to talk about how AI is reshaping the way we write job descriptions—and where the human touch still matters most.We cover:How AI streamlines research and editing for JD writingWhy AI sometimes pushes content toward bland, generic languageThe importance of plain, conversational wording in job postingsHow companies can use prompts and templates to guide toneWhy culture is the one thing AI can’t capture without human inputThe balance between efficiency and authenticity in writingHe shares practical insights from his work writing about job postings, along with candid thoughts on where AI helps—and where people need to step in. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

The JD Fix — Episode: Notion for JDs: The Tool You Love Isn’t Built for ThisEpisode Summary:In this episode, we dig into why so many hiring teams start managing job descriptions in Notion—and why that setup starts breaking as things scale. From version control nightmares to missing legal or DEI approvals, you’ll hear why that “simple Notion template” can turn into a job description minefield. We also cover better alternatives and when it’s time to graduate from Notion to something built just for JDs.What You’ll Learn:Why Notion feels like the perfect tool for JDs (at first)The common failure points of using Notion to manage job descriptionsWhere other DIY tools like Airtable and Coda also fall shortWhat to look for in a real JD management systemHow Ongig helps solve these problems without the chaosMentioned in this episode:👉 Ongig Job Description Software Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather Barbour Fenty breaks down why permissions are the backbone of a great job description management system—and how to set them up so your team works faster, not slower.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe 5 roles that actually work for TA teams (Viewer, Editor, Editor Plus, Auditor, Admin)How to tailor visibility with job status filters (think: “Needs Edits” vs “Approved”)Why most JD systems get permissions wrong—and how to fix itThe golden rule: start with the least access, then scale as roles evolveLinks & Resources👉 Request a demo of Ongig’s Text Analyzer to see how permissions and roles work in action: https://www.ongig.com/request-demo Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title:JD Formatting: How We Fixed Taleo’s Copy-Paste ChaosHost: Heather FentyEpisode Summary:In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather Fenty shares how one of the largest healthcare companies in the U.S. fixed a frustrating Taleo problem that was wasting recruiters’ time and wrecking their job descriptions. If you’ve ever pasted a JD into Taleo and lost your bullets, fonts, and spacing—this one’s for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Taleo strips formatting from job descriptions (and why it matters)The hidden costs of fixing formatting manuallyHow Raw HTML export solved the problem instantlyThe before-and-after impact on recruiter time and candidate experienceA pro tip to protect JD formatting in any ATSLinks & Resources Mentioned:Request a demo of Ongig’s Raw HTML export → https://www.ongig.com/request-demoFollow Heather on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbarbour/More job description tips at blog.ongig.comEpisode Length: ~ 5 minutesPerfect For:Recruiters, talent acquisition leaders, employer brand teams, and anyone using Taleo or similar ATS systems. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather explores the power of adding a “Day in the Life” section to your job postings. Inspired by a LinkedIn post from DeArndra Hendricks and a real-world example from Sprinter Health, Heather breaks down why this small addition can dramatically improve clarity, help candidates self-select faster, and make your postings more engaging. You’ll learn a simple framework to create your own and hear how to build the rest of your job posting around it for maximum impact.Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title:From JD Chaos to Control: Why You Need a Job Description RepositorySummary:Heather Fenty breaks down how scattered, outdated job descriptions cost teams time, trust, and consistency—and why a centralized JD repository is the fix. Hear real examples from TA, HR, and comp teams, and get a quick walkthrough of Ongig’s platform in action.What You’ll Learn:What a JD repository is (and why it matters)How it saves time and improves complianceHow teams use filters, workflows, and templates to stay organizedWhy JD scoring and version control matterLinks:Request a demo Ongig.com Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title: RecFest UK Vibes: Talent Talks, Circus Tents, and Totally Unexpected MomentsHost: Heather FentyWhat You’ll Hear in This Episode:Heather just got back from RecFest UK — the Coachella of Talent Acquisition — and she's bringing the insights, the laughter, and a few unexpected surprises (like being stung by a wasp and popping out of a cake).In this solo episode, Heather unpacks:✅ What RecFest UK actually is (yes, there’s a Ferris wheel)✅ Trends every TA leader needs to know✅ What Amazon’s doing with skills-based hiring (and Willo’s role in it)✅ Matt Alder’s take on why TA teams have no time to be strategic✅ Why you should never write “fast-paced environment” in a JD again✅ And the underrated power of food trucks, glitter, and real conversationsKey Takeaways for TA Teams:AI is everywhere, but trust in it isn’t — use it to save time, not replace people.Skills-based hiring is no longer just a buzzword — companies are actually doing it.JD clutter is killing your candidate flow — fix the content before the approval chain.🛠️ Resources & Links:Matt Alder’s TA “fittness” quiz: https://mattalder.me/fittLearn more about Willo: https://www.willo.video/Chat with Heather: LinkedIn or reply to this podcast thread Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

When someone clicks on your job posting, you’ve got maybe 30 seconds to convince them they’re in the right place.In today’s post, I’m breaking down what a candidate-first job posting really looks like, why it matters for SEO (and your employer brand), and how you can update hundreds of job ads without waiting on approvals or doing it line by line.Let’s get into it.What Candidates Actually Care AboutJob seekers don’t read job postings like we wish they would. They scan. Fast.And they’re usually looking for three key things:* Title – Is this what I actually do? Will it show up when recruiters search for me?* Location & Pay – Is it remote? Hybrid? Can I live on this salary?* What’s In It for Me – Will this job make my life better?If those answers aren’t easy to find, most candidates bounce—sometimes before they even read past the headline.Yet many job postings still start with walls of text: company history, a long mission statement, boilerplate copied and pasted from who-knows-where. That’s not a hook—it’s a hurdle.Why Candidate-First = SEO-FirstYou’re not just writing for people. You’re writing for algorithms too.Google for Jobs, LinkedIn, and every major job board scrape your JD for data points like:* Compensation* Job type (FT/PT, contractor, etc.)* Location* Job summaryIf that info is missing, buried, or formatted incorrectly, your job ad might never surface in a search—even if it’s a perfect match.Clear structure and smart formatting = higher visibility and better applicants.What a Candidate-First Job Posting Looks LikeHere’s what works—and what candidates have told us they love seeing:* A short, punchy summary up top* Key facts like pay, benefits, and location near the top or in a sidebar* Simple headers: “What You’ll Do”, “You’d Be Great If…”, “Why Join Us”* No jargon. No empty phrases like “self-starter” or “fast-paced environment”* Inclusive, approachable tone that feels human—not legal or roboticIt’s scannable. It’s transparent. And it invites the right people in.How to Do This at Scale (Without Burning Out Your Team)So you get it. But maybe you’re managing 200 job ads. Or 2,000.This is where a platform like Ongig’s Text Analyzer can save you weeks of rewriting.With Ongig, you can:* Apply a candidate-first template to multiple job ads in minutes* Use AI-powered suggestions to fix readability, bias, tone, and clarity* Auto-highlight missing SEO-critical fields like compensation or remote status* Keep your voice and brand while making every JD more effectiveIt’s not just a content fix—it’s a workflow fix.We’ve seen HR and recruiting teams go from “we’ll get to those later” to “we updated all 500 in one week”The TakeawayIf your job postings aren’t working, it’s not because you need a new ATS or career site. It’s because the content isn’t doing its job.Here’s your quick JD Fix checklist:✅ Lead with what candidates actually care about✅ Make your postings easy to scan—by humans and search engines✅ Use smart tools to scale changes without bottlenecksAnd if you want to see what a candidate-first posting looks like in your org, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share examples or walk through how we do it with Ongig.Until next time, keep fixing those JDs.🎙️ Got questions or want to see a live JD breakdown? Drop a comment. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather takes on a truly terrible job description—buzzword overload, inconsistent formatting, and no salary in sight—and shows how to clean it up using Ongig’s Text Analyzer. You’ll hear:What makes a JD a total disaster (and why it matters)How bias, formatting, and missing info can hurt your hiringA live walkthrough of transforming the JD using automation and templatesTips for customizing AI-powered suggestions while keeping your voiceQuick wins to make your job postings more inclusive and effectiveWhether you’re a recruiter, HR leader, or content nerd, this episode will make you laugh, nod, and rethink how you write job descriptions.🔗 Want your JD analyzed? Visit ongig.com or email Heather at sales@ongig.com. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather Fenty walks through one of the most common (and chaotic) job description problems: too many templates. You’ll hear how one insurance team replaced "1 million" different templates with a single, smart template using custom content rules in Ongig’s Text Analyzer.What you’ll learn:Why most companies end up with too many JD templatesHow to personalize one core template for every departmentWhat “content overrride rules” are and how they save time and headachesWho benefits from this approach Learn more about Ongig’s job description software: ongig.com/request-demoHave a JD challenge you want covered on the podcast? Reach out to Heather at sales@ongig.com. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title:Inclusion Over Quotas: What the U.S. Can Learn From Canada’s DEI ModelSubtitle:How Canadian Equity Laws Prioritize Belonging From the First Job PostEpisode Summary:In this episode of The JD Fix, host Heather Fenty chats with OnGig writer and inclusion advocate Sarah Akida about the culturally rooted approach to DEI in Canada. They discuss how Canadian laws like the Human Rights Act and Employment Equity Act foster fairness and inclusion without relying on quotas—and what U.S. employers can learn from that.Topics Covered:Canada’s DEI foundation: fairness, respect, and accessibilityThe pitfalls of language like “native English speaker” or “recent grad”How to write inclusive job descriptions from line onePractical tips for diversity statements that feel real—not legalThe mindset shift from "compliance" to "shared societal value"Links Mentioned:💡 Sarah’s Blog Post on Ongig👥 Sarah Akida on LinkedInConnect with Us:Visit Ongig.com to learn how we help make job descriptions more inclusive, readable, and effective.Subscribe to The JD Fix wherever you listen to podcasts. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title: Inside the JD: An HR Leader’s Take on What Works (and What Doesn’t)Guest: Ranya Hahn, Chief Human Resources Officer at Participate LearningHost: Heather Fenty, The JD FixConnect with RanyaRanya Hahn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranyahahn/Participate Learning: https://www.participatelearning.com/Episode SummaryIn this episode of The JD Fix, Heather sits down with Ranya Hahn, CHRO at Participate Learning, to talk about what’s working—and what’s not—when it comes to job descriptions.Ranya shares her perspective on how to keep job descriptions short, purposeful, and focused on impact. She also offers advice for small or overwhelmed HR teams who want to clean things up without starting from scratch.Whether you're rewriting your first job post or overhauling a library of them, there's something in this episode for you.Want help with your job descriptions?Ongig works with HR and talent teams to centralize, simplify, and strengthen job descriptions. From applying templates to syncing with your ATS, we help you fix the foundation.Contact us at: https://www.ongig.com/ Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title:Plugged In: How ATS Integration Can Fix the JD ProcessEpisode Summary:In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather Fenty is joined by Katie Campbell, U.S. Partnerships Manager at TeamTailor, to unpack a critical (but often ignored) part of the hiring process: how your ATS can make or break your job descriptions. They explore the common disconnects between ATS systems and job postings, the importance of visual and branded JDs, and how integrations and automation can simplify workflows for busy hiring teams. If you're tired of job description chaos, this one's for you.What We Cover:Why ATS and job description misalignment is hurting your hiring effortsHow companies like TeamTailor are reimagining the job posting experienceSmart first steps when implementing a new ATSHow automation reduces manual tasks and improves hiring efficiencyWhat makes a successful tech and content partnership around job descriptionsPractical advice for building a candidate-friendly hiring process from Day OneGuest:Katie Campbell, U.S. Partnerships Manager at TeamTailor🔗 Connect with Katie on LinkedInConnect with Heather:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbarbour/If you enjoyed the show:Please subscribe!Share this episode with your TA, HR, and Recruitment Marketing friends! Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title: JD Red Flags: Appointment Setter or Sales Gatekeeper?Host: Heather FentyGuest: Sarah AkidaLength: ~6 minutesPodcast: The JD Fix🔍 Episode SummaryIf you had just five minutes to fix a job description before it went live, where would you start?In this episode, Heather is joined by job content strategist Sarah [Last Name] to break down a real-life JD that missed the mark—and show how small changes can make a big difference. From problematic phrasing (like a request for a specific accent) to bloated language and unclear acronyms, we cover the quick wins that can instantly make your job postings more inclusive and candidate-friendly.This episode is short, sharp, and packed with practical advice you can apply to your next job post.🧠 What You’ll LearnWhy certain phrases (like “accent preferred”) can harm your brand and your pipelineThe power of aligning your job title with real responsibilitiesHow to replace fluff with specific, clear requirementsWhy clarity beats jargon—and how to explain acronymsTips to humanize your tone and speak directly to candidates🔗 Resources & Extras✍️ Ongig’s Job Description Blog – Guides, examples, and how-tos📩 Got a JD you’d like us to review? Send it to sales@ongig.com.💬 Favorite Quote“Every word in a job description sends a signal. Make sure yours says what you actually mean.” Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

Title: From Broken to Brilliant: The Evolution of Job DescriptionsGuest: Rob Kelly, CEO & Co-Founder of OngigHost: Heather FentyDuration: ~27 minutesPodcast: The JD Fix🔍 Episode SummaryIn this episode, Heather Fenty chats with Rob Kelly—CEO of Ongig and creator of the Media and the Machine newsletter—about why job descriptions are broken, what they’re costing organizations, and how to fix them.Rob shares his journey from a conference Q&A with Bill Gates and Steve Jobs to building Ongig into one of the leading job description software platforms. From how to write JDs that attract $30M A-players to the risks (and opportunities) of using AI in hiring content, this episode is packed with insights for recruiters, HR leaders, and TA pros.💡 What You’ll LearnWhy bad job descriptions are quietly draining millions from your companyHow to apply marketing principles (like great copy) to your job adsWhat it means to “cleanse” your job content—and why it’s the first step in any JD overhaulThe top 3 things every JD must include to attract top candidatesWhy AI can help—or hurt—your hiring strategyOne free, practical step every TA team should take this year🔗 Resources & Links📘 Read: The 80/20 of Hiring Superstars — Rob’s analysis on why one great hire can be worth $30M🗣️ Read: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs & Me — The story that sparked Rob’s mission to fix job descriptions🧠 Subscribe: Media and the Machine — Rob’s Substack on AI and content🛠️ Explore: Ongig Job Description Software✉️ Get in Touch: Book a free JD content consultation with the Ongig team🧵 Key Quotes“When you’re hiring a superstar, you’re making the biggest transaction of your life—and your JD needs to reflect that.” — Rob Kelly“If AI writes a bad job description faster, that’s not progress. You still need a human to steer the ship.” — Rob Kelly🙌 About the GuestRob Kelly is the CEO and co-founder of Ongig, a platform that helps employers write, cleanse, and optimize inclusive, high-performing job descriptions. He’s also the author of Media and the Machine, a newsletter about the intersection of AI and content, and a former journalist, founder, and startup exec with over $100M in company revenues under his belt. Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe

🎙 Episode Title:The JD Was Done… Then It Wasn’t: Dealing with Hiring Manager Rewrites🎧 Episode Summary:In this episode of The JD Fix, Heather Fenty talks about a frustrating scenario that recruiting teams everywhere face:What do you do when your hiring manager rewrites the job description… after it’s been approved?We’ll explore:A real-world story from a recruiter who got hit with a last-minute JD rewriteWhy hiring managers often feel the need to edit JDs themselvesThree actionable ways to reduce rewrite drama and keep your process on trackWhether you're in TA, HR, or comp—this episode gives you the tools to create collaboration without chaos.🔧 Key Takeaways:Why last-minute JD rewrites happen (and what they signal)The importance of setting clear boundaries early in the JD processHow to use templates and review windows to prevent bottlenecksSimple scripts to invite hiring managers into the process—without losing control🔗 Links & Resources:📬 Subscribe to The JD Fix on Substack🔍 Learn more at Ongig🙌 If You Enjoyed This Episode:Share it with a teammate who’s dealt with last-minute JD rewritesSubscribe on your favorite podcast appRate & review to help others find The JD Fix Get full access to Heather Fenty at itsjustbarbs.substack.com/subscribe