Writing a good job advert.
Your job advert is often the first contact a potential employee will have with your company. Getting the advert right will ensure you make a good impression and attract the best candidates. Each item will help to attract the right applicants.
But first, let’s cover the legal requirements
- Adverts must include the name of the employer or agency
- Say if the advert is permanent or temporary
- Be advertised in Great Britain and be in English
- Include the nature of the job, location, minimum experience and any training required.
Now let’s move on to the advert and use it to attract the right applicants.
See this as an attraction and then a filtering process.
Job title
Keep to simple titles, such as Sales Manager, Electrical Engineer, or Receptionist. These are the titles that potential candidates will use when searching for a job.
Salary or rate of pay
In the UK, it is not mandatory to include the salary, but it makes sense to do so. (Including the salary is estimated to increase applications by up to 70%.) It means candidates are less likely to drop out later in the process.
Temp or permanent and hours of work
Clarify whether the vacancy is a permanent, contract, or temporary position.
Specify the working hours, especially those outside the “normal 9 to 5”. The potential to work flexible hours or work from home could be attractive.
This basic information helps applicants decide if the job is right for them before applying.
The location
Clarifying the location helps candidates to decide if they can get to the place of work. You may want to say if there is good public transport or on-site parking.
For online searching, the location is a vital point for applicants. Fewer applicants will see the advert if you leave it out or use a broad area description.
Working from home/ hybrid working has recently come to the fore. Make it clear if you can work from home some or all of the time.
Introduce your company
Describe what your company does to attract applicants to work for you. Highlight the company’s values, successes, and the opportunities it offers. Applicants want to work for companies where they have shared values.
Nature of the work and responsibilities
This section should make up the majority of the advert. Be clear about what you expect and what staff must do to succeed. Do not just copy and paste a job description; take time to make the job sound interesting.
The minimum experience, training, or qualifications required.
Some jobs legally require training or qualifications, and you must clarify this—also the type of experience you would expect applicants to have.
Company benefits
If your company offers benefits, then please mention them. Benefits can include training, bonuses, healthcare, pensions, discounts, parking, social events, etc.
Application process.
Describe the application process, a closing date for applications, interview dates, etc.
Discrimination.
Ensure that your advert does not discriminate unfairly regarding age, sex, race, or other protected characteristics. You can check these points with organisations like ACAS.
Do check the spelling and grammar.
Ensure you give your applicants the right first impression.
We wish you the best of luck in attracting suitable candidates.
14/11/23 | Tony Line | Kent Recruitment Bureau | The JobsBoard.
