Question

Write an advertisement for a user support position. Find one or more ads online or in
your local newspaper for information technology and user support positions. Note the format
and content of a typical help wanted ad in the IT field. Select one of the user support position
descriptions in Chapter 1, and then write a classified ad that could be used to attract job
applicants for the position whose description you selected.

Answer 1

A job ad is not different from any advertisement. What we need to know is our target audience, address them in the language they understand and offer them what they want.

If we hope to fill a vacant position by writing an ad or getting it published in the local paper or even posting it online there is nothing worse than this as either we don't receive any responses at all or receive applications from people who are unworthy or unsuitable for the job.

Uplifting  the quality (as opposed to quantity) of our response commences by having a well-written advertisement (often the first impression a candidate has of our organisation) that is really going to target the appropriate audience.

Our job ad needs to speak directly to them. Otherwise We seriously may as well roam the streets like a 19th Century town crier calling out to every man and his dog in the hope that someone hears us

An effective job ad is not just a job description. It is a carefully crafted message with the aim of attracting the best qualified candidates for your job.

Our job ad is like a funnel where initially we are casting the net out wide to a broad audience. Then, as the readers make their way through our carefully crafted advertisement, they are either self-ejecting from the process or they are mentally ticking all the boxes because they can actually picture themselves in the role. In the end we really only want a handful of suitable candidates to apply.

Here are some ways to sharpen the focus of ourr ad, to the point where it only draws in the most qualified candidates:

1. CATCHY JOB TITLE

1. BE SPECIFIC ABOUT THE ROLE

This will allow candidates to compare what is required with their own skills and experience and discourage those not qualified from applying. The job title (headline) has to be very clear and should in no way deceive or mislead the reader.

We should also try to incorporate three bullet points containing the “punchiest” (eye catching) benefits or incentives associated with the job. Salary (if it’s within or above market rate) is always a good one. Similarly whether there is on site parking available, the ability to work from home, or proximity to public transport will also grab the reader’s attention. You might even include something along the lines of “modern office; stunning harbour views; team lunch provided every Friday”.

Provide a salary range. If it’s not in their ball park, they won’t waste their time and yours by applying.

2. DISTINGUISH ‘MUST HAVES’ FROM ‘NICE-TO-HAVES’

We also need to clearly articulate whether there are any essential qualifications, desirable skills, or any other “nice to haves” in terms of previous experience required in the role.

3. DON’T EXAGGERATE

When a job sounds too good to be true, it generally is and will only attract applicants who are gullible, unrealistic and non-performers. If you are looking to fill an Office Assistant or Accounts Clerk role, you probably shouldn’t have the heading “Job of a Lifetime”. Sometimes it’s best just to keep it simple. “IT Office Manager – 3 days/week. Ideal for a working Mum”.

4. OFFER CHALLENGES, NOT REWARDS

This is more likely to attract someone with drive and ambition, rather than someone just looking for an easy ride.

5. TELL THEM ABOUT YOUR COMPANY

Next you need to describe the company – but not in too much detail.

You don’t want the reader to get excited about the company and then not have any connection to the actual role. Remember it’s a job ad. Above all you want someone who wants to do the job in question. The fact that it’s for your company is an added bonus.

The information you include in the actual description of the job and the profile of the ideal candidate should come very easily to you – assuming you have written a proper job description and prepared a performance profile for the role. Select the key skills, core competencies and most relevant performance or success measures and include them. This is where you will eliminate those applicants who are not actually suitable for the role.

6. PROVIDE A PHONE NUMBER FOR ENQUIRIES

This can help you eliminate unsuitable candidates early in the process. Trust me … you can learn a lot from a prospective candidate over the phone.

7. ASK FOR A COVER LETTER

This can provide useful clues as to character, education level, and communication style and allow you to filter out unsuitable candidates prior to interview.

A hands-on recruiter, would always ask for a cover letter as part of the application process. If a candidate submitted just his resumé without a cover letter, he will immediately reject them. Call him harsh – but it revealed a lot about his ability to follow a very simple instruction.

8. TALK TO THE READER

When you are writing your advertisement, avoid phrases like “the successful candidate” or “the ideal applicant” since this will make even the most suitable candidate question whether they’re right for the role. Rather say something along the lines of, “In this exciting role you will be working with …” or “Coming from a strong IT background, you will be expected to …”.

Talk to the reader. Use the word “you”.

9. NAIL THE SHORT DESCRIPTION

And finally, when it comes to online job ads in particular, you should be aware that on average four times as many people read the short description than actually click through to the ad itself. So put some effort into what you write … even if you only have 140 characters in which to say it.

After all we don’t just want people reading the snapshot. We actually want people to read our entire advertisement … and of course we then want the best candidates to press “Apply Now”.

By the way we already have enough on our plate and we probably don’t want to have to send personal rejection emails to all those candidates who don’t make the grade.
Here’s some suggested wording that you can always include at the bottom of your job ad as a bit of a disclaimer: “Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process”.

Example of IT JOB ADD

IT Consultant Job Description

Job Overview

WIPRO INFOTECH Co. is one of the leading companies in our field in the area. We're proud of our 3.6 rating on Glassdoor from our employees. We are hiring a talented IT Consultants professional to join our team. If you're excited to be part of a winning team, WIPRO INFOTECH Co. is a great place to grow your career. You'll be glad you applied to WIPRO INFOTECH.

Responsibilities for IT Consultant

• Complete detailed reports listing requests for technical assistance, steps taken to resolve them, and the specific dates/individuals involved
• Act as the initial point of contact for all computer and system related concerns from clients or other employees
• Assist management in creating training materials pertaining to computer troubleshooting and usage
• Organize and file documentation pertaining to warranties and instructional guides for computer hardware
• Maintain a working log detailing all required system updates, as well as the date of completion
• Attend in-person meetings with clients to analyze, troubleshoot and diagnose hardware problems
• Resolve technical issues related to network interruptions
• Actively update, maintain and monitor all aspects of computer networks

Qualifications for IT CONSULTANT

• A bachelor's degree in computer science or related technology field is preferred
• Industry-specific certification in relevant computer languages or software may be required
• 1-3 years of relevant experience in a customer focused position involving technical knowledge of a company' s products and services
• Professional written and interpersonal skills are essential when communicating with customers and clients
• Ability to prioritize and manage several milestones and projects efficiently
• Extensive experience working with different operating systems including Windows and Mac OS
• Accept constructive criticism and customer feedback regarding their experience with software or IT services
• Comfortable working in and assisting others through company help desk software, such as Zendesk in addition to other remote access desktop programs
• Time-management skills and the ability to establish reasonable and attainable deadlines for resolution