What Can I do to Make Help-Wanted Ads More Effective?
Brevity is the secret to effective help-wanted ads. There may be numerous responsibilities associated with the vacancy, but the ad should list only the key ones. This increases the likelihood that those who respond will be able to do those tasks most critical to job success.
There’s another reason, too, to focus on only a few requirements. The more requirements you list for applicants, the fewer responses you will receive.
Tell Me More
Besides the job requirements, state some of the advantages of the job. Play up, in particular, the opportunities that come with the job—like the chance to head up a project or company-paid training, or corporate investment in a degree program. If your firm has a good reputation that might attract people who know about it, you may also want to include its name in the ad rather than use a box number.
In writing your ad, you may want to consider not only the content but also the general appearance of the ad. I’m not suggesting you pay the added cost of a display ad. Yes, they are likely to get you more attention, with their use of artwork, various typefaces, even the corporate logo, but display ads aren’t categorized by type of job. Consequently, job seekers have to read through all the display ads to find yours.
Rather, you should add more white space to your classified ad. The white space will set your ad apart. Let’s assume that you are looking for a marketing manager. Here is an example of how you should prepare your ad:
Wanted: Marketing Manager
Growing training organization requires marketing manager to oversee full line of e-learning courses. Job requires:
Degree in marketing.
Five years’ experience in marketing.
Supervisory experience.
We offer:
Generous salary and benefits package.
Opportunity for career growth as firm expands.
Elegant office setting.
Send resume and salary history to Box 328, This Paper.