How to write a good job ad

A job advertisement is your way to entice great talent to your business. If you’re not already using it as an opportunity to sell the role and your company and culture to potential candidates, now’s the time to change this. They don’t call it a job “ad” for no reason!

Here’s how to you can level up your job ads to have the right people apply:

1. Firstly, start with the perfect job title.

This is ultimately how potential candidates will be finding your role in the market. Make sure the role title is clear and relevant to what a candidate will call themselves in the market. Don’t confuse people by adding in unnecessary buzz words or quirky titles.

2. Then, sell the role in a compelling summary.

Grab the reader’s attention right away by highlighting the most attractive aspects of the role. Three to five dot points would be a summary.

3. Don’t skip the salary!

Candidates are much more likely to apply for a role if the salary is advertised.

SEEK found that advertising the salary can boost applications by a whopping 51% when within the market range. Even better, if your salary exceeds the market benchmark, you can expect a staggering 94% increase in applications.

So, make sure the salary is clearly visible and in line with the local market. Keep in the know with our latest industry Salary Guides.

Pro tip: Once they’re in a role, 7 in 10 employees expect salary increases to take place every year. So, include how often pay rises occur so potential candidates are well informed from the beginning.

4. Include the location of the role.

Where will employees be working from? Whether it’s from home or in the office, make the requirements clear from the beginning.

Pro tip: Include a specific suburb in the location as some job sites like SEEK will target applicants close by!

5. What’s in it for the employee?

Candidates want to know why they should apply for this role. So this should be the main focus.

Our latest research found that workers that are currently employed, value a good workplace culture, quality management and salary if they were to accept a new role.

On the flip side, SEEK found that job seekers that are entering the market because they are looking for a better salary, new challenges, a fresh start and more inspiring work.

Some other things you can highlight are: 

• The work life balance
• The career progression
• Training and development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements
• Wellbeing programs
• Additional annual leave
• What support is on offer

Pro tip: Get to know what your ideal candidate is looking for to make sure you’re advertising the right benefits.

6. Write a clear list of requirements.

People don’t have time (or attention span) to read long wordy descriptions. Provide something that is clear, concise and make it easy to skim read. Dot points are perfect for this section.

Pro tip: You can check out the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations list to get some inspiration.

7. Why should they join your company specifically?

This is your chance to stand out. Why should candidates choose your company over a competitor offering a similar role? This is where uncovering your edge in the market is key.

Shine a spotlight on your brand, workplace culture, and future career prospects. Provide real life examples of the culture, and what it’s like to work for you. For example,

• How many people work there?
• Who will they be working with?
• What awards and recognition have you received?
• How do you build camaraderie in the workplace (here’s how we do it at Frontline)

Pro tip: Remember, candidates are interviewing you as much as you are them. Sell your company!

8. Finally, make it easy to apply.

A complicated recruitment process is a massive turnoff for candidates. Make the application process as simple as possible.  Whether it’s applying through SEEK, email submissions, or a simple phone call to start the process.

Don’t forget to clearly list contact information in case they have any further questions about the specifics of the role.

Get inspired with some of our job ad examples:

Our recruitment consultants are seasoned professionals, well-versed in the art of crafting the perfect job ad. Check out the job boards on our website to see how we do it and maybe get some inspiration for your own.

• Construction job ad examples
• Education job ad examples
• Health job ad examples
• Hospitality job ad examples
• Retail job ad examples

Let us help you create the perfect job ad!

If you’d rather not tackle this on your own, let us handle it! Our teams can ensure your posting stands out in the competitive market and attracts the right candidates. Get in touch!

P.S. Our offices are locally owned, so they can provide up to date insights on the latest recruitment trends in your specific market and give you deeper insights into salary benchmarks.