Let’s get one thing clear from the beginning - a job advert is exactly that - an advertisement, a marketing of your vacancy. The job advert is not there for you to list all your demands, it’s there to excite, entice and attract potential candidates to apply for your role and your business.
It’s the same as any advert, whether it’s a tv ad, a radio ad, a sponsored post, an ad on Marketplace, print media campaigns.
Let’s think about it. You’re in the market for a new car, so you do some internet searching, maybe look at Marketplace… Which adverts entice you the most? Is it the marketplace ads that say things like: “Perth area”? Or is it ones that provide all the specs, all the Ks, transparent on any damage or issues, etc.?
For me, I know I’m going for the second option, hands down, every time. Any that don’t take the time to provide me with information don’t deserve my time in return.
The same can be said of job adverts. If I feel the business hasn’t taken the time to give me all the information so I can make an informed decision, they don’t deserve my time.
Some examples of BAD adverts I’m sick of seeing:
❌ Adverts that are just a couple paragraphs long, if that, and are super vague
❌ Adverts that are conversely super long, but talk only about what the business is seeking and wanting
❌ Adverts that are essentially the Position Description repeated
❌ Adverts that don’t give any way to follow up or ask more questions of the business
❌ Adverts that don't list the salary or hours
So how do you turn your beige, lacklustre or too detailed advert into an enticing, juicy job apple that the perfect candidate wants to take a bite out of?
Start by scrapping the job template you’ve always used. If it’s not getting you the candidates you want, then it’s not working. So chuck it in the bin and start over. Get some advice on creating a new template. There are tonnes of resources out there that can help you redesign (Career Pursuit included, contact details below, wink wink). Without giving away all my secrets…here are some very basic starting points to starting fresh:
🌟Start out your advert with a bit of splash and excitement - a drawcard to bring them in wanting more. Maybe you have some awesome benefits like salary packing, free gym membership or car parking, why not bring them to the top?
🌟Shine a spotlight on what this role will be able to achieve, and how that will impact others in a meaningful way.
🌟Tell the applicant how they can develop at your organisation.
🌟Do let them know what you think is key to being successful, but also where you can flex on the key selection criteria
🌟Give the applicant the very basic information they must know to apply for the job.
🌟Encourage them to get in touch and to ask questions if they have any
Here’s a fun little example I’ve whipped up for you below!
Executive Assistant
Hi, thanks for looking at our job posting! We wanted to share a few things with you to help you make your decision to apply. At XYZ Company, we offer free car parking for this essential position, and we’ll make your commute even easier by providing flexible start and finish times to work better for your lifestyle. All employees here get the benefit of a free gym membership and discounted Health Insurance as well as a fantastic health and wellbeing program. We think you’ll really love it!
The Executive Assistant role has a key role to play in achieving our strategic objectives. As a member of the Executive structure you make this organisation work at its best! You’ll keep the CEO organised and on time. You’ll build strong relationships with integral stakeholders which allow us to stay on track with our goals and objectives. Your critical thinking skills and ability to juggle competing priorities and tasks means that the wheels of the organisation keep moving forward.
What we provide in return are opportunities to expand your career through learning and development programs including paid study, chance to attend interstate conferences, and join our exciting rewards and recognition program, which we are really proud of.
So is this the right role for you? We think so, but here’s a little about what we’re looking for:
Experience supporting at an Executive level will help you understand the complexities of the role, so we consider this a must-have criteria.
Because this role works with modern and complex computer systems, you’ll be set up for success if you feel confident in your software skills. We are happy to train you on the specific systems we use.
Finally, if you have a Diploma in Business Administration that would be highly advantageous, but if you don’t and are willing to learn we can set you up with study assistance.
Just a few more things you need to know:
This is a full-time, permanent position
The salary starts from $90,000 + super per annum depending on experience
The role is based in our Albany office, with flexibility to occasionally work from home
Apply today with a copy of your Resume and Cover letting telling us why you are our next team member, by selecting the apply button on your screen. If you have any questions, contact us at 5555-0000 and we’ll be happy to answer them or visit our website www.xyzcompany.com.au.
I don’t know about you, but this is a role I would love to apply for if I were looking. Take the time to really speak to your candidates like they are a normal person, share what will make them successful and what will make you successful as an organisation too. You’re already connecting!! Remember last month when we talked about candidate experience? Well this is one huge step towards providing a great one!
Now go on and make your adverts stand out in the crowd, or contact Career Pursuit for a little boost up!
Comentarios