Do you know what NYP means?

My Wife asked me do you know what NYP means??

I’m good at finding solutions. So I immediately started to think of possibilities.

And then I thought but I don’t know the context.

So I asked for clarification. What’s the context? She explained it was linked to postage and shipping.

Easy!!

Not Yet Posted.

Bingo. It made complete sense. But only after I asked for context and clarified the situation.

The link to recruitment

Context is crucial. And this is no different when writing a job advert.

You need to tell the reader what it is and what it isn’t. This week I read an advert that said “Our CFO has left with immediate effect”.

This was brilliant because it provided context. The job advert was for a Head of Finance. So to me it was indicating that you will have no line manager, you will be the CFO in the short term, there will be a challenge and uncertainty. And there’s no day 1 surprises when you turn up to be told “the CFO has left”.

Writing a job advert is a REALLY hard skill but it is crucial to any recruitment campaign. No applications = No candidates = No interviews.

It’s a pain for hiring managers and even HR professionals. Because:

1. They are not trained to write effectively.
2. They struggle to convey the opportunity through words.
3. The HR person doesn’t know finance.
4. You don’t know the current market.
5. And you don’t know what good looks like.

I seriously can’t underestimate the importance of this part of the process. But here’s my advice on how to write an excellent job advert:

1. The first 10 words need to trigger an emotion in the reader.
2. Illustrate the challenges in the role.
3. Highlight the key skills and towering strengths required.
4. Disclose the salary.
5. Provide clarity on the process and next steps.
6. Weave the culture of your organisation throughout your job advert.
7. Provide contact details for the reader to find more information.

This week I saw a job advert which had over 200 applications in just 3 hours on LinkedIn. This isn’t good. Because their job advert is too broad, attracting too many people. And ultimately the wrong people.

Lastly, Reed.co.uk has just announced that job applications are up 8% in October compared to September so the market is turning. If you are not seeing an increase in the right application you have a serious problem which needs addressing.

My final thoughts

Writing a job advert is a skill. It’s tough. And most people don’t like it because they are not trained. They are out of their depth. The HR template isn’t working. And you suffer from blank page syndrome.

So either do it properly and get the right training. Or alternatively just outsource the problem to a professional which will take less time, less money and will do a far better job.

Because if you don’t receive the right applications you will continue to carry that job vacancy. Leading to reduced work life balance. Increased stress levels. And at worst more people will leave because your vacancies aren’t filled quickly enough.

So whatever you choose to do. Don’t do nothing. Because the situation will get worse.

Whilst you’re here

This week I have launched a new service which is specifically designed for people who want to attract better quality applications. I will write the job advert on your behalf and with your input. And post it across all of my job boards. All CV’s will be sent to you directly. It is then your decision and responsibility for the rest of the recruitment process.

So if you want to meet the right candidates but are more price sensitive this may be the right entry point for you and your business.

Just CALL and we can discuss your exact needs before proceeding.

Talk next week.

David

01905 419410

www.jammyrecruitment.com