Wording Your Job Advertisement

Placing an ad for your job opening on an internet job board or classified ad site is a great way to find just the person you’re looking for, whether you need an employee or a contractor. Unlike a newspaper or magazine classified ad, most online job advertisements allow unlimited word space to describe your open position or project. Generally, employers do not pay for internet classified ads, as those who run sites that specialize in job listings charge the users in return for allowing employers to post. In order to ensure you received targeted, qualified responses, there are a few guidelines you should follow in writing your ad.
• It’s not a classified ad, it’s a marketing tool. Approach writing your job advertisement as you would a sales letter for your product. Remember, you are “selling” a position with your company, and it should sound desirable. Be descriptive! You can either tout the benefits of working for you, or try a little humor and reverse psychology: “Open position for a virtual slave to do all my drudge work so I can make money for both of us. If you’re willing to glue a phone to your ear and type your fingers off, apply now.”
• Make your job title headline news. Which position would you rather apply for: “Secretary” or “Virtual Administrative Assistant Working from Your Own Home”? Most online job boards list posts as a series of links
to the full description of the position, named whatever you submit as your job title. By making the title of your advertisement sound like a spectacular employment opportunity, you will have more people clicking your link and more applicants to choose from.
• Be Specific. The more detail you use in describing your job opening or freelance project, the more likely you will be to receive replies from qualified applicants. Spell out exactly what you expect from the person you will hire, how the work will be performed, whether there are any benefits or bonuses, and if further opportunities for freelancers will arise in the future. However, too much detail can also harm your results; long posts may seem intimidating or daunting to online job seekers. A good rule of thumb is to keep job listings under 500 words. Remember to include your contact information—if they can’t find you, they can’t apply for the job!