How to Write a Great Job Advert That Attracts the Right Talent

Write a Job Advert That Doesn’t Feel Like Screaming Into the Void

The hiring landscape is a battlefield right now. Cost of living? Through the roof.
Unemployment? At an all-time low of 3.4%—the lowest in 50 years (ABS data). Job boards? Absolutely packed with vacancies.

So, is there really a talent shortage in Australia, or are businesses just terrible at grabbing attention? Here’s the truth: there’s no shortage of amazing candidates out there, but your boring job ad might be the reason they’re not applying. Want to stand out in a sea of cookie-cutter posts? Let’s talk about how to write a great job advert that attracts top talent like a magnet—and how you can skip the guesswork by using my proven job advert template and guide.

Why Great Job Adverts Matter for Attracting and Retaining Staff

According to SEEK, the average job seeker spends less than 30 seconds skimming a job advert. That’s right—you’ve got half a minute to grab their attention, spark their curiosity, and make them think, “This sounds like me!”

Here’s why nailing your job ad matters:

1. It’s a Seller’s Market: With unemployment so low, candidates are in control. If your ad doesn’t stand out, they’ll scroll straight past.
2. Your Ad Is Your Brand: Whether you’re a small business or an SME, your job ad reflects your company’s values, culture, and what it’s like to work there (SEEK advice).
3. The Competition Is Fierce: With over 439,000 vacancies in Australia (ABS), your ad needs to work hard to rise above the noise.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure this out on your own. My Job Advert Template & Guide is built from 15 years of recruitment and HR experience and is the exact framework the big players use to grow their teams and attract the best talent.

Step One: How to Write Job Adverts for Your Ideal Candidate

A good job advert isn’t about you. It’s about them. Picture your ideal hire. What do they want to know? What will make them feel like you’re speaking directly to them? This is where your talent attraction strategy comes into play.

Here’s how to write with the candidate in mind:

• Skip the Clichés: Words like “self-starter” or “team player” are overdone. Be specific.
• Showcase Your Values: What’s unique about working with you?
• Be Human: A robotic tone is an instant turn-off. Use plain, engaging language that reflects your company culture.

Need a shortcut? The Job Advert Template & Guide gives you a reusable structure to get this right every time, saving you hours and ensuring you always hit the mark.

Step Two: Nail the Basics (But Don’t Be Basic)

You’d be amazed how many job adverts miss the essentials. A clear, well-structured advert is crucial. According to SEEK, here’s what candidates are looking for:

1. Salary Range: Be upfront. It builds trust.
2. Location & Flexibility: Remote? Hybrid? Spell it out.
3. What Success Looks Like: Include tangible goals for the role.

Step Three: Make Your Ad Searchable

With so many job boards in play (APM guide), it’s essential to write with SEO in mind:

• Use industry-specific keywords.
• Include job titles candidates actually search for.
• Don’t overload the ad with jargon—clarity is king.

Step Four: The WOW Factor

Here’s where you go beyond the basics. Candidates are scrolling past hundreds of ads—yours needs to pop.

• Tell a Story: Share why this role exists and what impact it’ll have.
• Add Personality: Is your workplace fun, fast-paced, or mission-driven? Show it.
• Social Proof: Share employee testimonials or awards (SEEK).

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even the best job ad can flop if you:

• Overcomplicate It: Keep sentences short and the layout clean.
• Use Stock Phrases: Avoid language that makes your ad sound like every other one.
• Forget to Sell the Role: Don’t just list responsibilities—highlight what makes this job exciting.

Why Your Job Ads Need a Pro Touch

Writing a job ad is both an art and a science. The words you choose, the way you structure it, and even the tone all play a role in attracting the right candidates. My Job Advert Template & Guide takes the guesswork out of the process:

• Boost Profits: Hire the right people faster to enhance productivity and drive revenue.
• Save Time: Use this template again and again to create ads that get results.
• Attract the Best: Leverage a proven framework used by leading businesses.

Ready to make writing job ads easy? Download the guide here.

The Bigger Picture

An amazing job advert isn’t just about filling a vacancy. It’s about building a brand that attracts top talent, strengthens your team, and sets your business up for long-term success.

Need more tips? Tune into my podcast episode Stop Making These 5 Mistakes When Advertising Your Roles for actionable insights you can start using today.

Stop guessing and start hiring smarter. Click here to download my Job Advert Template & Guide now and attract the talent your business deserves.

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