12 Jul 2023
Job adverts can be written in many different ways, though there are some key elements that all Recruiters need to include in order to attract the right and suitably qualified candidates.
A Great Job Title
You need a job title which, whilst relevant to the job, is also familiar to those in the industry who might apply. Candidates search online by job title, and therefore a 'Transparency Enhancement Facilitator' won't do you any favours, whilst 'Window Cleaner' would be ok (that's just an example btw!).
The Main Job Details
Apart from the intro, this can be formatted in any order, but the key parts should be:
A Brief Introduction - and by brief, we mean brief! This should be a summary of the job, which will help put the role in some context before the candidate reads on.
About You as an Employer - let the candidates know what the company is all about, your reputation, your place in the market and your reputation as an employer of choice...
Pay and Benefits - some recruiters prefer this to be up front, so candidates can see if it's the right package for them before they read on. Similarly, a great reward package can entice candidates who might otherwise have moved on.
General Terms and Conditions - make sure you include non-pay benefits which could attract people - flexi-time, generous holidays, staff discount schemes and subsidised canteens should be mentioned if they are available.
Key Responsibilities - include anywhere up to 10 (but at least 4) elements of the job candidates will be doing if they are successful. Again, keep each one brief - you don't need every little task included in there, so long as candidates get a good grasp of what their working day could include.
Skills and Experience - make sure you list the core skills candidates should be able to demonstrate in their application, being clear about the level at which those skills should be. If relevant, make sure you show which are essential and which are desirable, but again be clear that candidates won't be selected if they can't demonstrate the essential ones. Similarly with experience, if they really must have worked in a specific industry before, then tell them so.
Location - Let candidates know exactly where the job is, and point out where there could be transport issues for those who can't drive to a remote location not served by public transport. If there are some real benefits to working in the specific location, then you should mention them. If there are remote work opportunities,mention them.
Other Qualifying Criteria - and by this we mean things the candidate has to have / be in order to be considered. A typical example is the right to live and work in the UK, or the ability to drive / have access to a car / be able to speak fluent English.
And finally, How To Apply - whether to follow a link, go to their website, phone for an application form. Next steps should absolutely always be clear.
