Attract: Creating an engaging Job Advert

Let's set the stage with by drawing parallels between crafting a job advert and executing a successful marketing campaign:

Introduction: Crafting Your Recruitment Campaign with Flair

Imagine, if you will, the creation of a job advert as you would launch a first-class marketing campaign. Just as any savvy marketer would tell you, the perfect campaign hinges on three key components: market, message, and media. These guiding pillars are just as crucial when your goal is to reel in the crème de la crème of candidates.

• Market: Your "market" isn’t potential customers, but potential candidates. It’s all about identifying who these remarkable individuals are and what makes them tick, much like a detective on their last case before retirement. Are they entry-level geniuses, seasoned pros, or somewhere in between? Knowing your audience enables you to tailor your message to speak directly to them.
• Message: Next, the "message." This is where the artistry comes in—akin to penning an unforgettable jingle that gets stuck in everyone’s heads (in a good way). You need to craft words that not only inform but also captivate. It’s your chance to serenade candidates with the promise of a bright future at your esteemed workplace. Your message should reflect who you are and why they want you, and be totally irresistible, like the last slice of Victoria sponge at a Sunday tea.
• Media: And let’s not forget "media." Choosing where to place your job advert is as crucial as selecting the perfect venue for your wedding reception. Options abound—from job boards to social media platforms to industry-specific forums. Make sure your advert is not only reaching your ideal candidates but making them feel like they've stumbled upon the golden ticket.

Your goal here is to attract the widest pool of potential candidates—those who could thrive in your role like bees to a lavish flower patch. The task is to cast your net far and wide, ensuring that you don’t miss out on hidden gems who might initially slip under the radar.

In essence, this recruitment process is much like a well-oiled marketing machine, designed to draw as many suitable applicants as possible, leaving you spoilt for choice when it comes to hiring the perfect fit. As you delve into the following sections, remember that this is your time to shine—showcasing your company in all its glory and enticing a stream of eager candidates who can't wait to jump aboard.

Understanding your Audience and the Power of Language

Writing a job advert isn't too different from crafting a heartfelt letter to your nan—minus the tales of the good old days, of course. You're trying to connect, communicate, and hopefully, win someone over. So, before you pen the perfect prose, you've got to get into the heads of your future applicants.

Understanding Your Audience

Imagine your ideal candidate. No, not just someone who spells things correctly or has a healthy respect for tea, but someone who fits right into the role and company. What makes them tick? Maybe they're gluttons for career advancement, or perhaps they’re dreamers looking for a work-life balance that allows them to maintain their rampant biscuit-eating hobby. Whatever it is, you need to understand these drives to tailor your message.

Motivations and Desires: Just like some people can't resist a well-brewed cuppa, your candidates are driven by different carrots. Are they looking for competitive salaries, solid perks, or the chance to strut their stuff in innovative projects? By pinning down what floats their boat, you can highlight those elements in your advert.

Cultural Fit: Picture this—your company culture is like a Lucozade-fuelled sprint to a train, or maybe it’s a gentle stroll around Hyde Park. Now, which candidate is better suited for that pace? Make sure your advert accurately showcases what a day in your company feels like. It’s all about helping them picture themselves as part of your merry band.

The Power of Language

Think of language as your Gandalf guiding the candidates through Middle Earth—you're taking them on a journey that’s both enlightening and enticing. The way you articulate your message can either pull them in or send them scampering off to another listing like a postman who’s spotted a dog.

Clarity and Simplicity: Engage your readers as if you’re explaining the offside rule—simple and to the point. Chuck the corporate waffle out the window; terms like "leverage," "synergy," or "pivot" need not apply unless you fancy some bleary-eyed candidates. Speak the Queen’s English, well, mostly—relatable, clear, and blissfully jargon-free.

Personality and Tone: Imagine your company as a person. Are they chatty and full of beans or more reserved and polished? Your tone should reflect this. Candidates want to feel the company’s essence even before they pull on their best interview socks. Authenticity is key, so don’t feel the need to slap on the lippy for what should be a natural conversation.

Through deft wordsmithing and a sprinkle of personality, you’re setting the stage to attract those who’ll fit right in. By understanding your audience and choosing your words wisely, you’re already halfway to a cracking job advert.

Structuring the Advert and Showcasing Responsibilities

Now that you've got a handle on who you're talking to and the words that'll make them sit up straighter, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty: structuring your job advert. Think of this part as arranging a proper cream tea—you need to line everything up just so for maximum appeal (and definitely put the jam before the cream).

Start with a Shiny Job Title

Your job title is the headline act. It should be crystal clear, like when someone asks for directions and you tell them which pub to turn left at. No fancy job titles here—stick to something they'll type into Google without scratching their heads. "Dynamic Problem-Solver" might sound thrilling, but if the candidate doesn't know what the job is from the title, they’re off to the next listing faster than you can say Jack Robinson.

A Snappy Summary is Key

Right out the gate, you need a summary that packs a punch. This is your big chance to show what the job’s about and why someone should trade their current gig to join you. It’s like giving away just enough of a show's plot to entice viewers without spoiling the ending. Keep it snappy, and show them within a couple of sentences why your role tops the rest.

Responsibilities: The Meat and Potatoes

Once they’re hooked by your dazzling summary, move onto the responsibilities. Now, keep your list less "War and Peace" and more "short story." No one’s here for a laundry list of every single task—they’ll get more detail in the interview. Instead, focus on key responsibilities, giving them enough flavour to understand the role without feeling weighed down by detail.

The Secret Ingredient: Challenges and Opportunities

Here’s a sneaky tip: people love a meaty challenge. Describe the exciting projects they’ll get stuck into—whether it’s launching a new product, revolutionising a process, or leading a new team. Paint a picture that helps them see the impact they’ll have, while piquing their interest to learn more.

Balancing Act: Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

You’ve probably seen those job adverts asking for the world, only to scare off talented folk who might not tick every box. Think of your requirements like a wish list—the must-haves might include specific skills or experience, but don’t get too carried away with the "nice-to-haves." Remember, you’re not ordering a made-to-measure suit here. Keep it realistic by focusing on core capabilities and a few bonus skills, which might make them stand out but aren’t deal-breakers if missing.

Avoiding the Laundry List Trap

Candidates are interested in what’s in it for them—so don’t bore them with lists that stretch to infinity. Avoid piling on requirements like an overzealous sandwich-maker adding one too many layers. Keep it succinct, focused, and aligned with both the role and the company culture.

By artfully structuring your job advert and highlighting the right responsibilities, you’re creating an enticing package. One that invites candidates to picture themselves thriving in the role rather than drowning in minutiae. Couple this with your earlier language finesse, and your job advert will be as irresistible as the last slice of Victoria sponge at a summer fete.

Highlighting Perks, Culture, and a Compelling Call to Action

As we round the bend towards the finish line, it’s time to wrap up your job advert with those irresistible extras—like finding a tenner in an old pair of jeans. You’ve set the stage with structure and responsibilities, now let’s showcase why your company is simply a jolly good place to work.

Perks That Pop

Beyond the basic beans-on-toast essentials like salary, what perks can you serve up that make candidates’ ears perk up? Picture this: an enticing smorgasbord of advantages that make your company stand out from the stiff competition. Do you offer flexible working hours so folks can dodge the gridlocked morning commute? What about professional development opportunities so they can earn gold stars in the workplace? Free gym membership? Oh, behave!

Keep your perks section as dynamic as a well-rehearsed flash mob. It's here to ignite excitement about the possibilities of working with you. Not every perk needs to be monetary, either—sometimes it’s the little things like Friday afternoon tea and scones or monthly team outings that win hearts.

Crystal Clear on Culture

Culture. This is your chance to reveal the invisible (but oh-so-important) fabric of your workplace. If your office is more like a hive of creative buzzing bees, say it loud! Or maybe it's a relaxed setting where people thrive if left to their own devices. Share the values that are at the core of your company and how they influence daily life—for better or for worse.

Are you a giggling grotto of go-getters or a thoughtful sanctuary for types with a penchant for detail? Let your tone mirror this atmosphere and help candidates not only see themselves fitting in but also flourishing amongst kindred spirits.

Crafting a Call to Action (CTA) That Speaks Volumes

Picture your call to action as the enthusiastic nudge that Nathan Baker’s mum gave him before he became a bake-off star. It should inspire candidates to act—and fast!

Be explicit about the next steps: How should they apply? Who should they contact? What’s the timeline? Create a process so straightforward that even your dear ol' gran could follow. Bust out that enthusiasm and let them know that you're eager to see what they can bring to the table (besides their application form).

Avoid the Awkward Whys

Avoid ending your advert with an awkward whimper—you know, like that time you tried to say goodbye but then accidentally walked in the same direction. Recap why they should be positively itching to click ‘apply now.’ Reinforce your unique selling points and leave no room for second guesses.

Reflect, Refine, and Reach Out

Once you’ve crafted your masterpiece, take a moment to read it over from a fresh perspective. Does it still sound as thrilling as you imagined? Good. If not, don’t be afraid to refine it further. It's about finding balance—enough detail to inform but with flair enough to provoke an enthusiastic response.

A stellar job advert isn’t static; it evolves based on feedback and results. Keep tabs on how well your postings perform and tweak according to insights for future success.

Ok thats the theory well and truly covered - now here’s the practice:

Your 10 simple steps to a great job ad

1. Know Who You Want

• Think about who you want to hire. What makes them special? What do they like? Imagine you’re a teacher picking the best student for a fun project.

2. Choose a Clear Job Title

• Use a simple and clear job title. If someone reads it, they should understand what the job is straight away. No need for fancy words!

3. Write a Short, Fun Intro

• Start with a short and interesting introduction. Tell them why this job is cool and why working with you will be great. Think of it like the exciting opening of a story.

4. List the Main Tasks

• Tell them what they will do. Keep it short and easy to read. Like a to-do list for their school day.

5. Say What Skills They Need

• List the skills they need for the job. Do they need to be good at drawing, writing, or something else? Keep it simple!

6. Share the Perks

• Tell them the fun parts of the job! Maybe they get to work with awesome people or have flexible hours. It's like the fun part of being in a club.

7. Describe the Workplace

• Explain what the place is like where they'll work. Is it a busy place or quiet? Friendly or more serious? Help them picture it!

8. Be Friendly and Clear

• Use words that are easy to understand. Talk like you would with a friend. No big or confusing words!

9. Encourage Them to Apply

• Tell them how to apply and make it easy. Think of it like inviting them to join your awesome team. Be sure to tell them you’re excited to meet them!

10. Check for Mistakes

• Before you finish, read everything again. Check for spelling mistakes or anything confusing. Make sure it's perfect, like a school essay!

The good news is you’ve already captured most of the raw details in the previous steps. This is all about presenting them to your target market aka potential hires in a way that resonates with them and elevates your business and this opportunity and begins the journey of excitement.

Putting it altogether : the AI prompt

Yep - we’ve gone there again.

One thing AI LLM’s are amazing at is copywriting. And unless you are a top-tier copywriter by trade, most likely better than you’ll ever be.

So, let’s let AI do the heavy lifting here and create the job ad for us:

Title: Help Me Create a Standout Job Advert

Objective: Transform the attached job description into an engaging and compelling job advert that will attract the right candidates.

Instructions:

Target Audience Identification:
Review the job description to understand the type of candidate we’re seeking. Consider their skills, experience level, interests, and motivations.
Define what makes this candidate special and why they’d be excited about this opportunity.

Job Title and Intro:
Select a clear and searchable job title based on the description.
Craft a short and engaging introductory paragraph that highlights why this job is appealing and why working with our company is a fantastic opportunity.

Responsibilities and Skills:
Extract the key responsibilities from the job description and present them in a concise, straightforward manner.
Identify the essential skills and qualifications needed, ensuring these are presented clearly and simply.

Highlight Perks and Culture:
From the job description, identify any perks, benefits, or unique aspects of company culture.
Communicate these in a way that’s friendly and exciting, helping candidates picture themselves thriving in the role.

Tone and Language:
Ensure the language is engaging and relatable, avoiding jargon and technical speak.
Use a voice that reflects our company’s personality and values, making it approachable and inclusive.

Call to Action:
Create a compelling call to action that encourages candidates to apply, with clear instructions on how to do so.

Final Touches and Proofreading:
Proofread the advert for clarity and errors, ensuring it reflects our commitment to quality and attention to detail.

Note: Use the attached job description as your starting point for creating the advert.