How to write job adverts that Developers want to read...

Hiring permanent members of staff is getting harder and harder as demand increases not just in your local market but overseas as well.

So instead of just posting generic job descriptions, which let's face it aren't really worth the paper they're written on (when did you last refer to your own job description to guide your day's activities?) you're going to need to sell the S out of your job to get anyone to even think about applying.

So, what should you say in your advert???? Well, based on, and I'll admit it a relatively small sample size (okay about 43 Developers) I have compiled a list of the main things they want you to address in your advertisements.

Ultimately you get out what you put in, and whilst it might seem like a pain in the a$$ to sit their and write a response to all of these questions, it's more likely to pay off than posting boring job spec exhibit A.

Try it for yourself, type into Linkedin the Job Title you're hiring for (Python Developer for example) and see how many run-of-the-mill adverts you see - would you apply to any of them if that were you? Or would you just wait for Facebook or Google to come knocking. What differentiates one from another - not much, right?

So, follow as much of this list as you can, and you could just be onto a winner.

Now, if you want to supercharge your recruitment efforts you can read my guide on running the best recruitment process in the market (for smaller numbers of hires) and if that fails give me a call and I'll set the dogs loose on the market to help round up some great talent (okay it's not quite that simple, but I'll try REALLY hard to find you someone).

Here's the link (recruitment process) - https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/how-run-effective-recruitment-process-sam-woolley/

And here's the prompt list for your advert:-

1.   Please quantify any flexibility / work from home / remote working opportunities for the Developer?

2.   Describe what technologies are in use, and how you’re using them?

3.   What does a typical day look like? What will the Developer spend most of their time on?

4.   Please divulge the salary and ALL associated benefits / bonuses / equity

5.   Please describe as much as you can about the project the Developer will be working on – what else is on the Roadmap for them to get involved in?

6.   What new things will the Developer learn in the next 18 months and will they get chance for promotion / pay increase (how / why)? What timescales?

7.   What is the Dev Team(s) structure / hierarchy?

8.   What decision-making power will the Developer get?

9.   What elements of the SDLC will the Developer personally work on?

10. How much time will be spent de-bugging vs building new stuff?

11. Why is the work important?

12. What can you tell the Developer about the credentials of the team they’ll be working with?

13. Who will be managing the Developer and what is their preferred style?

14. Is there chance to travel with the job?

15. Do you have any pictures / videos to show the physical work environment?

And here's my email address if all else fails;- [email protected]

Thanks!