When it comes to writing job ads, it is often a challenge to know exactly what to write to attract the best applicants. This blog covers the key do’s and don’ts.

Do’s

Keep It Brief.

When applicants are looking for a role, they will averagely review 10 ads for one job they apply to. No-one wants to read 10 long, boring job ads.  It is key to keep the overview brief and catch your applicants’ interest withing the 1st paragraph.

Summarise

Whatever you are covering in your ad, whether that’s responsibilities, environment, culture, required skills and qualifications – summarise each in a few key points.  For example, if the role includes areas of responsibility – summarise them into three as a maximum.  Rather than:

Care Assistant:

• Collecting Prescriptions
• Client hygiene
• Feeding clients
• Helping with shopping
• Helping with chores
• Ensuring medication is taken

Use:

Your day to day role will include helping our clients live independently in their homes.  You will provide personal care and assist with any day to day tasks as required.

Positive and Personal Language:

When an applicant is reading a job advert, you want them to be interested and feel like they could be part of the team almost immediately.  Using positive and personal language can make a real difference.

Rather than:

The successful applicant will be part of the home care team.

Use:

You will be joining our friendly home care team working together in the community.

Showcase Company Culture

Use descriptive words that describe the working environment. For example, describing the pace of work.

Use:

deadline-driven

fast-paced

But avoid long descriptions and flowered up content.

Include Useful Information:

Although most candidates will research an employer before applying, understand that candidates may not know everything about your company. Provide enough information in your job ads to inform and make them interested to complete further research.

Don’ts

There are lots of don’ts to consider when writing job ads the key include:

Have Spelling Errors:

Always complete a simple spell check before publishing an advert if not multiple.  First impressions count. A candidates CV needs to be accurate so why shouldn’t your advert?

Copy Job Descriptions:

Do not simply copy and paste long, internal and sometimes boring job descriptions.  This can be immediately off-putting to an applicant.

Include Jargon:

A job description should be clear and understandable. Avoid abbreviations and jargon that are too specific. Whether that is your organisation’s language, or industry terms only knowledgeable to a certain skill-set or level of experience.  Using jargon that candidates need explaining will make them feel inadequate before they have even applied. Do not put potential candidates off.

Use Discriminating Language:

Do not use language that could be perceived as discriminating regardless of whether you’re targeting a specific demographic. For example, words like youthful or able-bodied.

Make It Too Corporate:

Writing generic corporate content can be dull for candidates to read. Showcase culture and personality to demonstrate your brand. The start of an application process can be impersonal so add a personal touch.

Use Vague Job Titles:

Make sure the job title is clear and searchable. For example, Marketing Executive will be searched more than Growth Hacker.

Summary:

Do’s:

• Keep It Brief.
• Summarise.
• Use Positive and Personal Language.
• Showcase Company Culture.
• Include Useful Information.

Don’ts:

• Have Spelling Errors.
• Copy Job Descriptions.
• Include Jargon.
• Use Discriminating Language.
• Make It Too Corporate.
• Use Vague Job Titles.

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