7 tips to create winning job ads

The current talent drought has turned recruitment upside-down: it’s candidates who hold the power, and employers who are desperate to make a good impression.

In this hyper-competitive market, winning top talent starts with your job ad. Here are seven ways to make sure yours is the best.

1. Personalise the ad.

If you know the kind of person you want to hire, write with them in mind. Speak their technical language, say things that appeal to them directly, focus on what you think they’d want from a new job.

If you’re not sure what your ideal candidate is like, think about people you’ve known who’ve done a great job in similar roles–and maybe ask them for help writing your job ad!

2. Talk about company culture

Small companies are popular with today’s candidates because they’re often more dynamic and offer more role flexibility and personalised benefits. Sell this in your job ad–particularly flexible working, which is now a must-have–and highlight the human side of your enterprise, such as social events and charity work.

3. Make it easy to read

Your ideal candidate might only spend a few seconds looking at your ad, so make sure it’s easy to read (this should also help to weed out unsuitable candidates!) Ask someone outside your office to proofread it to make sure it makes sense to an outsider and sounds natural.

4. Avoid buzzwords and clichés

Don’t say what everyone else is saying. Clichés are meaningless and put candidates off. Step back, think about what you really want to say, and be natural and honest–candidates will respect that and want to work for you.
 

5. Link the advert to a video

Video marketing is all the rage right now, so consider linking a brief job ad to a video on your website. A share-worthy video will reach far more people, and it doesn’t have to be a dull speech about the role–offer them a glimpse of your company culture.
 

6. Shout about your values

Values matter to today’s candidates, who want to work for a company with integrity and compassion. Share your green credentials, diversity efforts, and anywhere else you think your values might chime with candidates’.

7. Sell the lifestyle

While you may not be able to afford a massive pay package, you can still highlight other perks, for example a fun location. Don’t leave anything po