Advertising the job
In the current job market, simply informing potential candidates about your post is not enough. Your advert is the school’s first opportunity to make an impression on a potential employee. Writing an effective advert is an important part of the process.
Adverts should give clear and accurate information about the role and school including:
- job Specification
- location and overview of the school
- type of employment – for example, fixed-term or part-time role
- rewards and benefits package
- the skills/experience/qualifications you are looking for
- details of how to apply, the deadline and interview date
These are the very basics but a compelling and well-written advert, coupled with the most appropriate advertising channels can make a real impact when attracting quality candidates to your role.
What to include
Pitch
Your advertisement is your chance to let the candidate know a bit more about your school and why it’s a great place to work. Think of it like a sales pitch. Why should candidates want to come and work for you?
Place
Help the candidate understand their place in school, the role they’ll play and where they fit into the school and how will they contribute.
Perks
What can the candidate expect to receive in your employment? It is good to include not only the elements that are part of pay and conditions but also what can your school specifically offer them. For example, do you offer ongoing development or anything in relation to wellbeing and support? These things are important to candidates who want to feel supported in their work and their development as well as knowing they’ll be joining a great team.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do – use clear language, ensure your advert is easy to read and understand.
Don’t – use acronyms or technical language unless it’s necessary.
Do – include all the key details about the post so that this is clear for candidates as well as helping to ensure that you only get applications from candidates who are aware of what the role and its requirements are. Things like having an interview date as well as a closing date can help candidates plan.
Don’t – miss out on key information such as the salary or that the role is pro rata. Candidates will likely be searching for roles within a particular salary range. Therefore, being clear about this and what term time means can help to manage expectations.
Do – be positive. Candidates won’t only be looking at your job. Tell them why your school is a great place to work and why they should want to come and join you. A positive and engaging advert can make a big difference.
Don’t – forget to check for spelling and grammar mistakes or write your advert as a big chunk of text. The easier it is to read the more it will compel candidates to click on apply.
Do – use wording to show your commitment to safeguarding children. Candidates should know you comply with the relevant laws and that they will need to pass the necessary checks.
Don’t – rely on applicants to follow a link to another site for key information. You may have a lot of material for candidates. A link to the school website will be helpful. Make sure the key attraction information is in your core advert. In a long list, it’s easy to scroll past. You want to ‘hook’ people in at the first opportunity.