Internet job advertising

Writing an Internet job posting is not like writing an ad for the newspaper as you're not being charged by the line. An average ad on Monster is usually about 400 words but the system allows you practically limitless space in which you can write a job ad so use this to your advantage. The job seeker benefits from a well written ad because they can make an informed decision whether your job is for them. You benefit because the detail you provide in your ad will help you to receive CVs from only self-selected, higher potential candidates.

A tempting title is key

The job title is critical to the success of your Internet recruitment campaign. This is because the job title acts as a hyperlink through to the content of your job posting. So the content of the ad is lost if candidates fail to click on your job title to read further. Monster allows you approximately 40 characters for the job title so use all 40 to best effect.

Here’s an example...

A job seeker is searching for jobs posted over the last 30 days for a position requiring "C++" and "Unix" skills within a specific geographic area. Over 100 positions come back.
The job seeker adds the keyword "databases" to the search and 40 jobs result. He now has to determine which of these 40 positions he wants to click into.
Compare simple descriptions such as "Programmer/Analyst", "Software Developer" and "Sr. Programmer" with detailed descriptions such as "Sr. Java Object Oriented App. Engineer", "S/W Developers C, C++, Java, PB" and "Sr. Oracle Web Solutions Developers".
The job seeker is far more likely to select the positions with the most detailed, targeted titles.
A title such as "Java, c++, oracle, web, hot technology" is 39 characters long. It not only says plenty about the opportunity, it also gives the impression that this company is cutting edge.

Organising job ad content

The more detail you post about your position, the better fit the candidates who respond. Spending time up front to gather the appropriate detail will reduce cycle time and, ultimately, cost-per-hire.
Set out your job ad in an easy-to-read, concise format – the way a job seeker would want to see it.

Job Description:

Discuss the content of the actual job. Include the following:
What is the scope of the work? For instance, in a networking environment, there is a huge difference between a company with 150 users and one with 7,000 users across the country.
Will the successful candidate be planning and developing something new or improving on something already in existence?
What is their "end product" and who will be the recipient of it - outside customers and clients, the general consumer, internal clients?
Will they be managing a team of people? If so, what does that entail?

Required skills:

Outline skills and certifications required. Which are necessary and which would be an advantage?
For technical positions, state required knowledge of software, hardware, testing tools, plus experience in certain environments, etc.
For other professional positions, be specific about knowledge and experience required. For example, for an accounting role, are audit experience, cost accounting or financial accounting analysis required?

Other qualifications:

Include soft skills such as communication skills, ability to work in a team environment, ability to interact with outside clients and customers, organisation skills, willingness to travel, flexibility, etc.

Educational Requirements:

e.g.: PhD, MBA, Masters in Engineering, BA in Journalism, etc.

Work environment:

What is the company/department like? Is it casual, team-centered, highly competitive, independent? What benefits are there?

Finally, include an e-mail address, fax number and snail mail address (if you still use one) to send in a CV. Include your Web page address so job seekers can learn more about what your company has to offer.

Once you've created a job ad on Monster.co.uk, save it in your Hiring Library so when you need to advertise a position again, simply post the file again.

Monster offers free training to employers on how to use your Monster Account, making the most of Monster tools and packages and getting the best results from online recruitment

To join one of our live interactive online sessions...

• Send an email to clientservices@monster.co.uk
• Write your name and contact details in the email.
• We will contact you to arrange a session time that’s convenient for you.

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