How to write a job advert to attract the right candidates.
There’s no-one-size-fits-all when it comes to creating a good job advert. Some roles are more involving than others (i.e. C-suite-level roles), so they might cover a broader range of responsibilities and duties compared to entry-level positions. Nevertheless, you want to keep your job advert as succinct as possible. You can start polishing your job adverts today by:
1. Deciding on a better job title.
Keep your titles short and straight to the point. A one-word title can get you 29% more applications than a five-word job title. More so, brief job descriptions – less than 100 words – can help you receive 72% more applications than descriptions with 201 to 500 words.
2. A short and sweet introduction to your business.
Include a few sentences that help candidates know what your company is about and the opening you’re advertising for. Incorporate target keywords that help candidates know if this is a role for them. It can also be a great opportunity to give more information about why you’re a good company to work for and why they should bring their talents to your firm.
3. Work out who your perfect candidate might be.
Ideally, you want to do some background research on what a perfect candidate might look like for the role, especially if it’s a new opening. If you have an opening for a client-facing role, you might want someone who has experience with client management, presentation skills, client success and so on.
Creating a candidate persona can help you clearly define the duties and responsibilities for the role in your job advert. In turn, this can help prospective applicants work out whether their experience and qualifications are a suitable match.
4. Set a timeframe for the job advert and hiring process.
Finding the right talent in a highly competitive market can be tricky, especially with other competitors looking to snap them up at any chance. So, you want to get your job advert live as quickly as possible and reach your preferred applicants before other competitors do. A faster hiring process can also limit the chances of a candidate dropping out or being lured by another opportunity.
5. Highlight the benefits and perks.
Today’s employees want to feel valued at work, so don’t forget to include your business’s benefits and perks in the job advert. Whether that’s a free fruit basket every Friday or an affordable cycle-to-work scheme, be sure to include anything related to wellbeing and mental health.
What makes a good job advert?
In a perfect world, a good job advert makes you spend as little time as possible to find the most qualified candidate within your budget. While that’s easier said than done, here are a few tips to help you create a job advert that can attract the right talent.
- Make sure your expectations are clear. Ensure your job advert contains all the essential information, such as job title, duties and responsibilities, location, and job description. This not only boosts your job advert’s presence online but also ensures you receive more relevant job applications.
- Avoid any buzzwords or business jargon. A job advert with a lot of jargon may have a negative and discouraging effect on application rates. Avoid buzzwords and pepper your advert with clear and concise keywords.
- Proofread your advert. Ensure your job advert is clear of any spelling and grammar mistakes, as this can make you look sloppy and unprofessional. Proofread it several times before pushing it live.
- Think about the structure. A job advert with big chunks of text can deter candidates from reading what the job entails and what your company has to offer. Use bullet points and small paragraphs to create a clear and concise layout.
6 free job advert poster ideas.
