Clear, concise adverts do a proper job

As business confidence slowly returns, more jobs are available and being advertised. But the number of job applicants is increasing at an even faster rate. Business editor Julie Taylor looks at how employers should go about snaring their ideal candidate.
Be clear about what you want and about what you have to offer if you want to get the best job applicants and minimise the time spent dealing with unsuitable candidates.
Post Business employment columnist and Talent ID director Kellie Hamlett said the market was still tipped towards employers, but that was changing.
"In 2007/8 it was a real candidates' market and it was more important to sell the benefits of a particular role such as health insurance, travel, company cars etcetera.
"We are not in that position now, but it will get back to that quicker than many people realise."
Seek.co.nz announced this week that job applications coming into the site in the first quarter were 90,000 up on the same time last year.
The number of advertised positions also hit a 12-month high in March, with more than 17,500 roles available.
A survey of advertisements in The Daily Post in the six weeks to March 12 also revealed a 35.5 per cent rise on six months earlier.
But applicant numbers are rising faster than vacancies and Hamlett said it was important to be very specific in a job advertisement if you wanted to attract the right people.
"A lot of ads are getting 50 or more applications, of which maybe only 10 meet the core requirements. You get better value for your advertising dollar if you tell people what your key requirements are."
She stressed the importance of viewing the advertisement as part of the whole recruitment process and said it was vital to write a clear job description and then work back through the process, deciding on the best interview and assessment procedures to identify the person best suited to that description, before writing the advertisement to attract that person.
"Sometimes you read an ad and you still don't know what the job entails or what the employer wants.
"You need to be very clear."
Selling the employer and work environment is also important.
"People these days don't just want a job, they want a career. People are looking for a culture where they can contribute and add value."
Advertisement placement is key.
Think about where the type of person you are looking for is likely to job hunt and target your advertising spending appropriately.
Personnel Resources team leader Angelique Tizard said the physical advertisement could also make it jump out at applicants.
"Make sure the title stands out. Use short sentences, bullet points and a normal font and size so it is easy to read.
"Colour ads also stand out."
The advertisement content is also important and Tizard said location and lifestyle could be strong selling points.
Some advertisers prefer to keep the name of the company quiet, advertising through a recruitment agency, but if it is a strong brand, adding a company logo can help.
Advertisers need to be clear about the application process, stating with when applications close, and where should they be sent to - be it hard copy or online.
"Ask for a covering letter and a CV - this is a great way to get to know the applicant."
 
Why are so many people looking for work?
Seek.co.nz figures show seven out of 10 Kiwis are looking for new employment opportunities.
General manager Janet Faulding said the most common reasons for seeking new employment included the absence of pay rises, increased tasks and responsibilities in roles and a general feeling of being unappreciated.
Call centre customer service roles are the most competitively-sought after jobs on seek.co.nz, receiving thousands of applications for every advertised job, followed by receptionist, IT help desk and waiting staff jobs.
Faulding said candidates should focus their efforts on roles best suited to their skills and experience and in industries where they would like to work.
"It's best to avoid a scattergun approach. Instead tailor each CV, covering letter and application you submit to ensure you communicate your most relevant experience and skills to your future employer."