Tips on writing the most effective Job ads.

This section will cover off some of the more important elements you should consider when writing your job ads.  You should also refer to the Job Advertising section on the 'Tips on using propertyroles effectively' resource page.

Your job ad is more than just about giving information about the role.  Used effectively it can increase your chances of attracting better candidates.  The benefit in writing a clearer, more explanatory job advert is that the applications you receive will be more likely to fit with what you are looking for.  Candidates don’t want to waste time applying for jobs they have no chance of getting.  Therefore if your job ad is clear and lays out exactly what you require for the role then you will find that you will get applications only from those candidates who truly believe that they are a right fit for the job.

Job Title and Job Summary

When writing the job title and job summary it is important to use that space to attract candidates to the role and to convince them to click through to your job description.  Therefore use this space by providing the key information about the role that would normally attract candidates to find out more.
 

Job Description

The job description needs to be where you provide more detailed information.  Try and consider telling them the following; the responsibilities of the role, the number of people in the team/division, whether there are any direct reports, the size of any applicable budget, formal qualifications needed, advantageous requirements/skills, individual behaviour traits that are advantageous to the role, the company culture, why the role has come up; what are the available growth paths for the right person and anything else you feel the candidate would want to know or needs to know in making their decision.

Don’t forget to put down an application closing date in the job description, if one applies, and also ensure you leave them with a call to action to click on the apply now button.

Also, use the formatting tools.  It is ok to have the most important fact in bold and underlined.  Another good idea is to use bullet points and short paragraphs to help candidates quickly digest key information.

Salary

One other important thing to consider is what you put down for salary.  Research has shown that job adverts have a higher response rate when a realistic salary band is provided.  Many employers think that putting a salary band restricts them further down the track.  However the research has shown that the possibility of this issue is far outweighed by the benefit gained when employers actually put a realistic salary band.  In fact in many online job site surveys candidates will say that prioritising job adverts by salary is often the easiest way to work out which ones to look at in more detail or even apply for.  Candidates may also think that employers have something to hide when deciding not to put a salary band on the job advert.  Therefore our recommendation is to always put a realistic salary band if you can.  You will find this is one of the major factors that increase your response rate to your job ads.