Seven Steps to Writing an Interesting Employment Ad

Louise Balle reports:

"Job seekers may sort through hundreds of employment ads before deciding on a few for submitting applications. If you want qualified applicants to contact you, it's important to create an appropriate job advertisement. You can then post your ad on one of various job employment websites and forums...Create a title for your employment advertisement that contains the name of the position you're trying to fill...Identify your business at the beginning of the advertisement. List the business name as well as background information about your company. Include facts about your products or services, the customers you serve and your company's mission. If you have a new company, say so—letting the reader know that you are hiring for a small startup could attract people with experience in this type of situation...Provide a more in-depth look into the department that your company is hiring for, if applicable...Explain that you are in search of a new employee (or employees) to help you further your small [business'] mission. List the official title for the employee you're seeking as well as the job's duties and responsibilities...Provide a list of requirements for this employee, including educational level, skills, availability (part time or full time), experience in specific fields, physical ability (if applicable to the position) and willingness to travel. Explain exactly what the employee must present to you as a condition of consideration for employment, such as a portfolio or list of references. Be as specific as possible to prevent yourself from receiving a slew of applications from unqualified applicants...Provide a section regarding salary. If you don't feel comfortable listing the salary or hourly rate for the position, you can simply write 'commensurate with experience' or something similar. If you offer benefits, list them to make the job listing more attractive to qualified candidates...Enter details about your application process at the end of the employment ad. Ask for a resume and a brief cover letter. Avoid posting your main email or a direct phone number in the ad, unless you don't mind handling many inquiries this way. Direct applicants to a fax number or separate email account specifically designated to receive resumes or inquiries via email. Provide a link to the 'about' page of your website so applicants can confirm that you have a legitimate business."