Tool 6: Writing a Job Advertisement
An effective job advertisement is crucial in attracting the desired applicants for the position. There is a high correlation between advertisements with accurate and complete information, and recruiting the best applicant for the position.
Before You Start Writing
Before beginning to write the advertisement, collect as much information as possible about the position being advertised. Think about whether the position description matches the profile of suitable candidates available on the labour market. Picture an advertisement from an applicants’ perspective and consider the elements and language that would interest you in making an application.
If using the better practice method of asking applicants to submit a maximum two page application against a small number of selection criteria, this should be noted in the advertisement.
Advertisement Specifics
For consistency, all ACTPS vacancy advertisements should have a similar layout, and should contain the following elements:
1. A heading with position title – this is one of the most important sections of your advertisement as it is the first item potential applicants see. The heading and position title should be accurate and contain sufficient information about the position. In order to provide applicants with an accurate idea of what the job entails, it is best practice to include details of the division or branch. For example, rather than using ‘Policy Officer’ use ‘Policy Officer - Governance and Business Branch’.
2. Classification and salary range – this information will include the classification level of the advertised position and appropriate salary range for the classification.
3. A position description – this should provide an overview of the duties and responsibilities of the position and detail where the role fits into the Directorate structure. An applicant should be able to read the position description, understand the type of work they will be doing and decide if they have the skills and experience needed for the role.
4. Eligibility and other requirements – this should detail any eligibility requirements of the position, such as tertiary qualifications.
5. Details of the contact officer – this information should include a name, email address and phone number.
6. Details of where to obtain selection documentation – this should include links to the documentation.
7. The closing date for applications.
1ACT Public Service Recruitment Guidelines, Tool 6: Writing a Job Advertisement The Advertise a Vacancy Form outlines the specific information required by Shared Services to advertise the vacancy. Directorates are responsible for ensuring that this information is relevant and accurate, and that appropriate approvals have been obtained.
What Should the Branding Look Like?
To ensure a consistent 'look and feel' for all ACTPS recruitment advertising, Directorates are encouraged to consult the ACT Government Branding Guidelines, found at: http://sharedservices/ACTGovt/Branding/index.htm
Things to Remember when Writing Your Advertisement:
Do
Develop a headline that will capture potential applicants’ attention
Keep text short and to the point – short paragraphs give added impact, and short sentences make it easier for potential applicants to understand your message
Write text in plain language, and minimise the use of jargon, technical language and acronyms
Prepare print-ready text that has been approved at the appropriate Directorate management level
Provide links to the relevant Directorate website and Jobs ACT website for additional information
Provide details of the contact officer, ensuring they will not be on leave during the timeframe for enquiries
If advertising vacancies that have identical duties, classification level and salary range, do not duplicate advertisements, rather, note that there are several positions
Include reference to particular job requirements such as rostered hours, early or later start and finish times, regular overtime, on-call availability, etc
Include prescribed recruitment footnotes which may be relevant e.g. “this is a temporary vacancy with possibility of permanency”
2ACT Public Service Recruitment Guidelines, Tool 6: Writing a Job Advertisement