Writing a good help wanted ad can help you fill open positions with the right people. Overall, it should be written to attract new employees rather than weed people out. Take a few tips into consideration as you write your company’s next help wanted ad.
Begin With a Headline That Grabs Attention
Use action verbs and positive language that encourages potential applicants to keep reading your ad. The headline should also mention something about the job and employer. Instead of saying, “Architect needed,” try, “Architect with a passion for detail, organization and customer service wanted for a busy downtown firm.”
Mention the Basics
Now that you’ve grabbed their attention, give readers more details about the basics of your open position. Include:
*Company name and location.
*Job title
*Specifics like full/part time, day/night shift, salary range and start date
Summarize Employee Skills
Include formal training requirement, certification, industry expertise, proficiency and other skills qualified applicants should possess. Try to avoid writing a laundry list in this section. That turns away candidates since it signals that you’re rigid and unbending. Plus, formal training, licensing and other professional training can be learned after the candidate is hired. Qualifications like flexibility, outgoing personality or sense of humor cannot be learned but are just as valuable.
Describe What Your Company Offers Employees
Sell yourself and your culture. In this section, you could include:
*Your company’s history or a link to your website where applicants can learn more
*Details about the culture, such as the flexible schedule, collaborative spirit or open-door management policy
*Benefits package details including insurance, 401K, incentive plans, advancement opportunities and monthly golf outings
*A standard equal-opportunity employer disclaimer that reminds applicants of your company’s commitment to non-discrimination
Close With a Call to Action
End the help wanted ad with instructions for how applicants can contact you. Include a phone number, email address or fax number.
As a caution, you should never mention legally protected statuses. That means you cannot mention that you have a candidate preference based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability or veteran status. Also, avoid gender-specific language. As an example, use server rather than waitress.
A good help wanted ad attracts qualified candidates for the open positions in your company. Use these tips as you create your next help wanted ad.
