How will we sell the job?
Featured in the Recruiting and Keeping the Right People training manual
By Susan Iacovou
Category: Recruitment, Selection and Induction
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
Often one of the most difficult things to get right in recruitment is the job advertisement. Describing the vacancy, highlighting the type of experience and qualifications needed, and outlining the benefits package, all in 200 words or less, can leave the most effective communicator frustrated and confused. It’s important to remember that the purpose of an advertisement is to attract a pool of suitably qualified candidates, while discouraging those without the right skills and experience from applying. And although each advertisement is unique and, designed specifically to suit the needs of a particular job, there are key headings and common characteristics which are features of all effective advertisements. This training activity shows participants how to construct a job advertisement. In particular, it looks at the information the advertisement should contain, and the way in which that information should be conveyed.
You introduce the training activity by outlining the purpose of a job advertisement. You then go on to lead participants in a brainstorming exercise designed to identify the information which should be included in an advertisement. You then compare their findings with your own list. Next, you tell participants about the five characteristics of effective advertisements, before describing some of the other factors to consider when compiling an advertisement. You then split participants into two groups, and give them the opportunity to draft a job advertisement for an imaginary vacancy. Each group then assesses and reports back on the advertisement compiled by the other group. Finally, you conclude the training activity by reminding participants of the key learning points contained in it.
Who is it for: This training resource is intended for use by trainers to help participants write focused and effective job advertisements.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 20 |
| Typical Duration: | 02:20:00 |
| No of Pages: | 15 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Additional resources: Examples of job advertisements (from press or your organisation).
Purpose: This training resource is intended for use by trainers with participants who are responsible for writing job advertisements on an occasional or regular basis.
Download the training activity, How will we sell the job? as featured in the Fenman training manual; Recruiting and Keeping the Right People