How to Create a Help Wanted Ad

The chances of finding a qualified employee increase dramatically with the placement of a help wanted ad. Without it, you rely on word of mouth to bring someone through your door. Learning to write an ad is a simple process that can help your business. Read on to learn how to create a help wanted ad.

Instructions

1. Know what type of employee you want to hire. Write in a tone that appeals to his or her nature. A karaoke bar and a law firm can have very different needs for employee personality. Each business must have its own voice personalized into a help wanted ad.

2. Have a clear picture in mind of the job slot you want to fill. Know the job's responsibilities, so you can describe them both in the ad and during interviews.

3. Write an accurate description of the job. There is no need to go into details, but describe the position and the time frame required to fill it.

4. List essential qualifications only. Keep them as brief as you can. Don't allow non-essential degrees to screen out qualified candidates.

5. Give a compensation range. A salary range leaves room for negotiation. If you have no room to negotiate, simply list the job's pay. Compensation can make or break a deal, therefore you want to indicate what a candidate can earn in the position.

6. Add clear contact information and instructions how to apply. If you can't stand phone calls and drop-ins, leave explicit instructions for applicants to mail or fax resumes only.

7. Proofread your ad carefully. Misspellings reflect poorly on your business, and a phone number mistake can make the entire ad ineffective. Once you are satisfied everything is correct, place your ad where qualified applicants are likely to see it. Trade magazines, newspapers, and head hunter websites can all be good options for placement.

Tips & Warnings

• When you write a help wanted ad, keep in mind you are not only screening applicants, applicants are screening you. Always leave a good impression of your company.