Writing an effective job advertisement

Many employers are finding it difficult to fill job vacancies. To help with the recruitment process, use these tips to write an effective job advertisement:

  1. Many job ads on websites such as SEEK or Indeed use grouped locations, such as ‘Wollongong, Illawarra and South Coast NSW’. Someone in Eurobodalla may not be looking for a job out of the area, so ensure you have the location stated in the body of the job ad.
  2. Applying for jobs, and reading resumes, can be time consuming. Pay rates can make a job more attractive, so including the information can be an incentive for job seekers to apply.
  3. Job seekers have shifted their focus to applying for vacancies at organisations that match their values. Values can include supporting professional development, providing a positive and supportive work culture, work life balance and negotiable wage. By highlighting and demonstrating your values in a job ad, you can attract long term employees that match your organisation.
  4. Like any reader, a jobseeker is looking to scan a job ad for key information, such as location, work hours, salary and essential requirements. Use headings and bullet points to ensure information is conveyed and absorbed by the jobseeker. Readers can lose interest in job ads that are too long or complicated which can lead to fewer application numbers.
  5. Having information presented clearly can make the difference in quantity and quality of applications. Eye fatigue, visual accessibility and literacy can all be barriers to absorbing information. Make sure to use the same font style, font size is consistent and special characters are not used unnecessarily.
  6. Don’t assume writing small amounts of content will generate curiosity and interest. Job seekers are more likely to scroll past and give up when faced with a vague job ad.
  7. Having your name, job title, email and phone number including in the job ad means a job seeker can ask questions and get more information. This can increase transparency and encourage job applications.
  8. Flexible work conditions can improve job application numbers. You will have the potential to to access greater pools of job seekers if you can offer casual, part-time, full-time or work during school hours.
  9. If you’re having trouble filling a vacancy it could be worth considering other pools of talent, such as traineeships, school-based traineeships or apprenticeships, older workers or people with disability.

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For more information or to discuss your recruitment needs please contact employment projects officer Amy Kovacs: