Seems like employment ads are the topic du jour on the The Hire Sense today. One thing I have noticed that truly cheapens an ad is to use extra large fonts, multiple colors and highlighting. Does this approach just scream multi-level marketing or is it me?
Most corporations write their ads in a prim and proper manner which is ok. This approach reminds me of the Apple commercials with the PC represented by the stodgy, business-suit guy and Apple represented by the trendy, young guy. Formula ads with cliche requests for degrees, years of experience, etc. are similar to the somewhat boring PC guy. Of course, that approach is certainly better than the MLM coloring page look, but there are some differences that bring good attention to an ad:
-Provide the company’s website
-Use bullets, some bold and only black
-Describe the job’s rewards
-Focus on skills & talents not experience & degrees
-Avoid detailed benefit descriptions
-Provide a clear response request (call, email, etc.)
-Shorten it
Simple suggestions but look at the ads that are out there today. We monitor the local ads on a daily basis and it’s ugly. Many companies believe employment ads are slow and ineffective for sourcing. Many recruiters attempt to reinforce that belief. Not true. Effective ads receive overwhelming responses from strong candidates.
If you don’t catch any fish in the lake, it isn’t because the lake is lacking fish. Change your bait.