12 criteria, scored against published research. Four of them are double-weighted conversion levers — pay transparency, length, apply friction and requirements discipline — because that's where the data is strongest.
91% of candidates say a posted salary range affects whether they apply — and postings with pay get 49% more started applications.
LinkedIn Talent Blog; Indeed Hiring Lab
201–400 word descriptions hit ~8–8.5% apply rates. Past 700 words, apply rates fall below 5%.
Appcast — 10.2B clicks, 1.7B applications since 2014
Applications that take 1–5 minutes convert at 12.5%. At 15+ minutes, 3.6% — a 3.5x difference.
Appcast (2014–2026)
Every question is scored against a fixed research threshold, so the answers are deliberately closed-ended. The fuller version — with space for your specific job posts, context and constraints — runs inside strategy engagements.