7 Top Tips for Writing Job Adverts
- Robinson Grace HR
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
Recruiting the right person for your organisation starts with a great job advert. A well-written job advert not only reflects the culture of your organisation, and your brand, but it’s your chance to attract the right people to really enhance your team from the start.
Here are seven tried-and-tested tips to help your job adverts stand out and attract the people that are right for you.
1. Start with a strong, clear job title
No one searches for a “Customer Happiness Hero” when looking for vacancies. Stick to straightforward, recognisable job titles like “Sales Executive” or “Customer Service Manager.” If your title doesn’t match what people are typing into search bars, they won’t find your advert or apply.
2. Lead with what’s in it for them
Most job seekers want to know three things right away: what the role pays, where it’s based, and what makes it worth applying for. Is there flexible working? Training? A clear path to promotion? Advertisements that include pay information receive up to 60% more applications, so mention the good stuff early to get people’s attention.
3. Keep the tone friendly and real
You’re not writing a legal document; you’re inviting someone to join your team. Write how you’d talk if you were explaining the job over a coffee. Keep it professional, yes, but warm and human too.
4. Be specific about the role
Avoid vague phrases like “must be a team player” or “good communication skills.” Instead, stick to the top 5-8 tasks you’re likely to ask of them. For example: “You’ll be speaking to around 20 customers a day, helping them solve problems and placing orders.”
Specifics help candidates imagine themselves in the role and deter those who wouldn’t really be suitable. Avoiding jargon that may not be well known outside of your organisation also helps applicants learn more about what’s required in the job deliverables.
5. Highlight what makes your organisation unique
Why do people like working for you? Maybe it’s the team culture, the way birthdays are celebrated, or that everyone leaves on time. Don’t be shy about your values or your quirks, the right candidates will find that appealing.
6. Avoid long lists of requirements
Be honest about what is truly essential and keep the list short. If everything is a ‘must-have’, you’ll scare off great applicants who could easily learn a thing or two on the job. Think of the skills that are non-negotiable and let the rest be nice-to-haves.
7. End with a clear, friendly call to action
Tell people exactly what to do next. Should they click “Apply” and upload a CV? Email a cover letter? Include a portfolio? Also, let them know what to expect after applying. A bit of clarity goes a long way in making someone feel comfortable hitting “submit.”
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a copywriter to write a great job advert, you just need to be clear, honest, and human. If your ad feels like it came from a real person who values their team, it’s much more likely to attract real people you’ll want to work with.
Need help crafting your next job ad or recruiting for your business? Simply pick up the phone to discuss what you might need 01793 311937 or email us via clientservices@robinsongracehr.com.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I make my job advert stand out from the competition?
Answer: To make your job advert stand out, focus on what makes your business unique. Candidates aren’t just applying for a role - they’re choosing a work environment. Showcase your culture, values, and even your quirks. Do your team members regularly celebrate wins together? Is there real flexibility or support for development? Use language that feels human and relatable, not corporate or robotic. Include pay details early, keep the format scannable with bullet points, and make the benefits as tangible as the responsibilities.
2. Should I include salary in a job advert, and why does it matter?
Answer: Yes, including the salary in your job advert is strongly recommended. Research shows job ads with salary information receive significantly more applications - often up to 60 percent more. It builds trust with candidates and filters out applicants whose expectations are outside your budget. Even if you provide a salary range, it signals transparency and respect for the candidate’s time. Combining this with clear details about the role and benefits strengthens your position as an employer of choice.
3. How long should a job advert be?
Answer: An ideal job advert is between 300 and 700 words. It should be long enough to give candidates a clear picture of the role, expectations, and benefits, but short enough to keep their attention. Use short paragraphs, subheadings, and bullet points to improve readability. The key is to be specific without overwhelming – clarity helps candidates self-select and leads to stronger applications.
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The content of our blogs is intended for general information and not to replace legal or other professional advice.
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