When the “meaning ratio” drops to zero, you’ve got a problem

When the “meaning ratio” drops to zero, you’ve got a problem

ByJosh Bernoff

Every word you write should be meaningful. We can measure this as the “meaning ratio,” which should approach 100%. Conversely, when the meaning ratio nears zero, you’ve got froth, not content, which is an accurate characterization of the job description I analyze today. The brilliant Edward Tufte analyzes graphics with the “data-ink ratio”: the proportion of ink in…

How to write a job description that’s not bullshit

How to write a job description that’s not bullshit

ByJosh Bernoff

Hiring is hard enough. If your job description says “we’re full of bullshit,” you’ll attract bullshitters and repel genuine human beings. Here’s the gist of my advice: write shorter and speak directly to applicants. If you want to see how not to do that, check out a job description Johnson & Johnson has posted (hat-tip to the brilliant…