Job Writing Tips

Staffing Solutions With PRSA Jobcenter

A job posting should have the following:

• Summary — First five lines of the ad must have:
  • A powerful compelling statement of why it’s a “dream job.”
  • Why this employer is a “dream” employer.
  • Quantitative statement about salary.
  • Compelling statement about the organization’s commitment to privacy. Personal privacy guaranteed.
                                                                    
• Advantages — WIIFT (What’s in it for them). Answer the following:
  • What do I get to do?
  • What do I get to learn?
  • What do I get to accomplish?
  • Who will I work with?
  • Talk about requirements and responsibilities using headlines and bullets.
                                                                                
• Benefits — Describe benefits that are important to the pool of targeted candidates. (e.g., entry-level tuition assistance).
                                                     
• Capabilities — Be sure to describe the characteristics and capabilities that enable candidates to succeed at your organization. What resources does the organizaton make available to candidates to help them succeed? 
                                        
• Call to Action — Urge candidates to take one of three actions:
  • Apply for job.
  • Pass the position on (referral).
  • Stay in touch.

Reprinted with permission from WEDDLE’s LLC. Peter Weddle is the author or editor of more than two dozen books, including "The Career Activist Republic," "Work Strong: Your Personal Career Fitness System" and WEDDLE’s 2011/12 Guide to Employment Sites on the Internet. Order them at Amazon.com.