Here are a selection of ‘lighthearted’ phrases that have appeared in job advertisements for Administrative Professionals that I have seen recently.
1. “Must possess the ability to read minds and predict the future.”
2. “Seeking a unicorn-level multitasker with 25 hours in a 24-hour day.
3. “The ideal candidate should have a PhD in making coffee.”
4. “Ability to juggle flaming swords while performing administrative tasks a plus.”
5. “Looking for someone who can answer emails at the speed of light.”
6. “Wanted: an assistant with ninja-like organizational skills and Jedi-level diplomacy.”
7. “Must be able to clone yourself to be in two places at once.”
8. “Candidate should be comfortable defusing office drama and diffusing actual bombs.”
9. “Seeking a detail-oriented individual who can spot a typo from a mile away with binoculars.”
10. “Ability to levitate and teleport to meetings is highly desirable.”
Of course, these phrases are meant to be humorous and I’m sure the intention is to help the job ads to stand out, but I am concerned.
The use of such these kind of phrases in job advertisements for assistants can be harmful.
They trivialize the importance of the assistant’s role within an organization. Such phrases can convey a lack of respect for the assistant’s skills, expertise, and contributions. It creates a perception that the role is not taken seriously.
Phrases like “read minds” or “work 25 hours a day” set unrealistic expectations for candidates. This can deter qualified individuals from applying, as they might feel that the demands are unreasonable.
Then there is the gender bias. Many assistant roles have historically been associated with women. The use of phrases that focus on coffee-making or other stereotypically ‘female’ tasks reinforces gender bias and can discourage individuals from diverse backgrounds from applying.
By using phrases like these, organizations might miss out on exceptional candidates who are put off by the tone, which appears not to take the role seriously. This limits the talent pool and potentially hinders the hiring process.
I’d also argue that an organization’s values and culture are reflected in its job descriptions. Using disrespectful or inappropriate language can send the wrong message about the company’s values and how it treats its administrative employees.
Remember, the goal is to accurately represent the role, the organization, and the opportunities it offers. A well-crafted job ad can attract top-tier candidates who are enthusiastic about the assistant role and eager to contribute to the company’s success.
