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How to write a successful recruitment advertisement

A definition:

Recruitment = 'refers to the process of attracting, screening, and selecting qualified people for a job at an organisation or firm.' - Wikipedia

This is one of a series of articles by Andrew Fisher – CEO of Media C2C

Writing effective Media Job advertisements is the key to attracting the best and most relevant response. The aim of the job advert is to attract interest in the role, communicate quickly and clearly the appealing and relevant points, and to provide a clear response mechanism.

It can be useful to think of job advertising following the AIDA selling format: Attention, Interest, Desire, Action.

How to write a successful recruitment advertisement

AIDA: The Attention part is the banner or headline that makes a good impression, Interest builds from the detail of the role, Desire relates to job appeal and rewards and finally you must prompt an Action, which will most commonly be an email address to send CV and covering letter, but may also include telephone number or action to download application form or a visit web site for more details.

Use one simple headline - normally the job title itself. However, if the job title does not describe the job function, then use a strapline to do so or even consider changing the job title. An effective alternative main headline - especially for strategic roles - is to describe the main purpose of the role, which can then be used with the job title and organisation's name serving as secondary headings.

Make the advert easy to read. Use simple language, avoid complicated words and use language that your reader uses. It is sensible to use short sentences as more than fifteen words in a sentence tend to reduce the clarity of the meaning. Also do not use unknown or unexplained abbreviations.

It is important to get the reader involved. This can be done by referring to the reader as ‘you’ and use the second person in the description of the requirements and expectations of the candidate and the job role. This helps people to visualise themselves in the role and involves them at an early stage of the process.

Quick check list
Job title, employer logo, location, short description of business or link to more information.
Outline of job role and purpose, indication of scale, size, responsibility, and scope of role.
Outline of ideal candidate profile - indicate qualifications and experience required.
Equal opportunities statement.
Finally salary or salary guide – this can make a significant difference in attracting the ‘best fit’ candidate.

Media C2C is the employer only job board and candidate database specialising in Media Jobs in the UK.

To learn more: http://www.mediac2c.co.uk/
To upload your cv: http://www.mediac2c.co.uk/candidates/register.aspx
To advertise and search: http://www.mediac2c.co.uk/recruiters/register.aspx