{"id":612,"date":"2023-09-21T20:21:54","date_gmt":"2023-09-21T20:21:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/chapter\/writing-a-job-advertisement\/"},"modified":"2024-07-24T22:03:28","modified_gmt":"2024-07-24T22:03:28","slug":"writing-a-job-advertisement","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/chapter\/writing-a-job-advertisement\/","title":{"raw":"Learn It 15.1.2 Recruiting Qualified Applicants","rendered":"Learn It 15.1.2 Recruiting Qualified Applicants"},"content":{"raw":"<h2>Job Analysis<\/h2>\r\n<p>In order to advertise a job, you first have to understand what that job entails. Job analysis is often done with the help of [pb_glossary id=\"2445\"]industrial and organizational (I\/O) psychologists[\/pb_glossary] who are experts in employee behavior and workplace productivity.<\/p>\r\n<p>There are two related but different approaches to job analysis\u2014you may be familiar with the results of each as they often appear in the same job advertisement. The first approach is task-oriented and lists in detail the tasks that will be performed for the job. Each task is typically rated on scales for how frequently it is performed, how difficult it is, and how important it is to the job. The second approach is worker-oriented. This approach describes the characteristics required of the worker to successfully perform the job. This second approach has been called <strong>job specification<\/strong> (Dierdorff &amp; Wilson, 2003). For job specification, the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that the job requires are identified.<\/p>\r\n<p>Observation, surveys, and interviews are used to obtain the information required for both types of job analysis. It is possible to observe someone who is proficient in a position and analyze what skills are apparent. Another approach used is to interview people presently holding that position, their peers, and their supervisors to get a consensus of what they believe are the requirements of the job.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Accuracy of Job Analysis<\/h3>\r\n<p>Research suggests that the accuracy of job analysis can depend on the nature of the descriptions and the source for the job analysis. For example, Dierdorff &amp; Wilson (2003) found that job analyses developed from descriptions provided by people holding the job themselves were the least reliable. However, they did not study or speculate why this was the case.<\/p>\r\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\r\n<h3>Learn More<\/h3>\r\n<p>The United States Department of Labor maintains a database of previously compiled job analyses for different jobs and occupations. This system is called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/\">O*Net<\/a>. Each occupation lists the tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work context, work activities, education requirements, interests, personality requirements, and work styles that are considered important for success in that position.<\/p>\r\n<p>You can see the KSAs that are listed for your own position or one you might be curious about. You can also see data on average earnings and projected job growth in that industry. See what it has to say about being a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/link\/summary\/41-9022.00\">real estate sales agent<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/link\/summary\/13-1111.00\">management analyst<\/a>, or an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/link\/summary\/19-3032.00\">I\/O psychologist<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<h2>Selling the Job<\/h2>\r\n<p>Once the employer brand is established and the job role is clearly defined, the next step is to effectively promote the position. The key to crafting a standout advertisement lies in evoking emotion. A compelling job ad resonates with candidates on an emotional level, ensuring it captures attention and engages the audience.<\/p>\r\n<p>Brand and Marketing Strategist Alex Honeysett\u2019s recommendations for writing a compelling blog post also apply to writing a compelling job ad: \u201cNow more than ever, people want to connect with brands in a human way.\u201d[footnote]Honeysett, Alex. \u201cThe #1 Tip for Writing a Compelling, Makes-People-Want-to-Share-it Blog Post.\u201d The Muse, June 19, 2020. https:\/\/www.themuse.com\/advice\/the-1-tip-for-writing-a-compelling-makespeoplewanttoshareit-blog-post[\/footnote] And candidates are seeking that same humanity in potential employers. Her two key recommendations: share a story and write with a specific person in mind. The rationale for the latter point: \u201cBy writing with one person in mind, your tone, story, and message will be much more focused and detailed than if you\u2019re writing to a nameless, faceless group of people. And your readers will connect to that focus and detail.\u201d[footnote]Ibid.[\/footnote]<\/p>\r\n<p>The following nine-step job ad development process is a combination of Honeysett\u2019s recommendations and Betterteam\u2019s job posting template[footnote]Gambrell, Simon\u00e9. \u201cJob Posting Template.\u201d Betterteam, April 17, 2024. https:\/\/www.betterteam.com\/job-posting-template[\/footnote]:<\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Write a compelling headline<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craft a compelling hook<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Write with a specific person in mind<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pitch the position with emotion as well as the key facts<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell the company\u2019s story\u2014and invite the candidate to be part of it<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sell the area<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Summarize, selling the package<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close with a call to action<\/li>\r\n\t<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a member of the target audience read and comment<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2>Using Inclusive Language<\/h2>\r\n<p>Using inclusive language in job postings and recruitment materials is a strategic move that can significantly broaden your talent pool. When companies use language that respects and acknowledges diverse backgrounds, they signal to potential applicants that they value diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can be particularly appealing to job seekers who might otherwise feel marginalized or overlooked by traditional corporate language.<\/p>\r\n<p>For example, phrases like \"we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds\" or specifying that experience can come from a variety of sources, including non-traditional career paths, help to attract a wider, more diverse range of applicants.<\/p>\r\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\r\n<h3>Inclusion Statement Examples[footnote]Lenore. \u201cInclusion Statement in Job Postings: What Are They and Should You Use One?\u201d Gorge Hired, October 22, 2022. https:\/\/gorgehired.com\/inclusion-statement-in-job-postings-what-are-they-and-should-you-use-one\/[\/footnote]<\/h3>\r\n<p>The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District includes this in their job postings:<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply even if you don\u2019t meet every one of our qualifications listed.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n<p>Included, a company that provides an HR analytics platform for businesses, uses this statement in their job descriptions:<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>We know that [pb_glossary id=\"2606\"]confidence-gap[\/pb_glossary] and [pb_glossary id=\"2607\"]imposter syndrome[\/pb_glossary] can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don\u2019t hesitate to apply \u2014 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n<\/section>\r\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\" aria-label=\"Try It\">\r\n<p>[ohm2_question]24690[\/ohm2_question]<\/p>\r\n<\/section>","rendered":"<h2>Job Analysis<\/h2>\n<p>In order to advertise a job, you first have to understand what that job entails. Job analysis is often done with the help of <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_612_2445\">industrial and organizational (I\/O) psychologists<\/a> who are experts in employee behavior and workplace productivity.<\/p>\n<p>There are two related but different approaches to job analysis\u2014you may be familiar with the results of each as they often appear in the same job advertisement. The first approach is task-oriented and lists in detail the tasks that will be performed for the job. Each task is typically rated on scales for how frequently it is performed, how difficult it is, and how important it is to the job. The second approach is worker-oriented. This approach describes the characteristics required of the worker to successfully perform the job. This second approach has been called <strong>job specification<\/strong> (Dierdorff &amp; Wilson, 2003). For job specification, the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) that the job requires are identified.<\/p>\n<p>Observation, surveys, and interviews are used to obtain the information required for both types of job analysis. It is possible to observe someone who is proficient in a position and analyze what skills are apparent. Another approach used is to interview people presently holding that position, their peers, and their supervisors to get a consensus of what they believe are the requirements of the job.<\/p>\n<h3>Accuracy of Job Analysis<\/h3>\n<p>Research suggests that the accuracy of job analysis can depend on the nature of the descriptions and the source for the job analysis. For example, Dierdorff &amp; Wilson (2003) found that job analyses developed from descriptions provided by people holding the job themselves were the least reliable. However, they did not study or speculate why this was the case.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\n<h3>Learn More<\/h3>\n<p>The United States Department of Labor maintains a database of previously compiled job analyses for different jobs and occupations. This system is called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/\">O*Net<\/a>. Each occupation lists the tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work context, work activities, education requirements, interests, personality requirements, and work styles that are considered important for success in that position.<\/p>\n<p>You can see the KSAs that are listed for your own position or one you might be curious about. You can also see data on average earnings and projected job growth in that industry. See what it has to say about being a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/link\/summary\/41-9022.00\">real estate sales agent<\/a>, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/link\/summary\/13-1111.00\">management analyst<\/a>, or an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.onetonline.org\/link\/summary\/19-3032.00\">I\/O psychologist<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<h2>Selling the Job<\/h2>\n<p>Once the employer brand is established and the job role is clearly defined, the next step is to effectively promote the position. The key to crafting a standout advertisement lies in evoking emotion. A compelling job ad resonates with candidates on an emotional level, ensuring it captures attention and engages the audience.<\/p>\n<p>Brand and Marketing Strategist Alex Honeysett\u2019s recommendations for writing a compelling blog post also apply to writing a compelling job ad: \u201cNow more than ever, people want to connect with brands in a human way.\u201d<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Honeysett, Alex. \u201cThe #1 Tip for Writing a Compelling, Makes-People-Want-to-Share-it Blog Post.\u201d The Muse, June 19, 2020. https:\/\/www.themuse.com\/advice\/the-1-tip-for-writing-a-compelling-makespeoplewanttoshareit-blog-post\" id=\"return-footnote-612-1\" href=\"#footnote-612-1\" aria-label=\"Footnote 1\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[1]<\/sup><\/a> And candidates are seeking that same humanity in potential employers. Her two key recommendations: share a story and write with a specific person in mind. The rationale for the latter point: \u201cBy writing with one person in mind, your tone, story, and message will be much more focused and detailed than if you\u2019re writing to a nameless, faceless group of people. And your readers will connect to that focus and detail.\u201d<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Ibid.\" id=\"return-footnote-612-2\" href=\"#footnote-612-2\" aria-label=\"Footnote 2\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The following nine-step job ad development process is a combination of Honeysett\u2019s recommendations and Betterteam\u2019s job posting template<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Gambrell, Simon\u00e9. \u201cJob Posting Template.\u201d Betterteam, April 17, 2024. https:\/\/www.betterteam.com\/job-posting-template\" id=\"return-footnote-612-3\" href=\"#footnote-612-3\" aria-label=\"Footnote 3\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[3]<\/sup><\/a>:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Write a compelling headline<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craft a compelling hook<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Write with a specific person in mind<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pitch the position with emotion as well as the key facts<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell the company\u2019s story\u2014and invite the candidate to be part of it<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sell the area<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Summarize, selling the package<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close with a call to action<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a member of the target audience read and comment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>Using Inclusive Language<\/h2>\n<p>Using inclusive language in job postings and recruitment materials is a strategic move that can significantly broaden your talent pool. When companies use language that respects and acknowledges diverse backgrounds, they signal to potential applicants that they value diversity, equity, and inclusion. This can be particularly appealing to job seekers who might otherwise feel marginalized or overlooked by traditional corporate language.<\/p>\n<p>For example, phrases like &#8220;we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds&#8221; or specifying that experience can come from a variety of sources, including non-traditional career paths, help to attract a wider, more diverse range of applicants.<\/p>\n<section class=\"textbox example\">\n<h3>Inclusion Statement Examples<a class=\"footnote\" title=\"Lenore. \u201cInclusion Statement in Job Postings: What Are They and Should You Use One?\u201d Gorge Hired, October 22, 2022. https:\/\/gorgehired.com\/inclusion-statement-in-job-postings-what-are-they-and-should-you-use-one\/\" id=\"return-footnote-612-4\" href=\"#footnote-612-4\" aria-label=\"Footnote 4\"><sup class=\"footnote\">[4]<\/sup><\/a><\/h3>\n<p>The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District includes this in their job postings:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply even if you don\u2019t meet every one of our qualifications listed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Included, a company that provides an HR analytics platform for businesses, uses this statement in their job descriptions:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>We know that <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_612_2606\">confidence-gap<\/a> and <a class=\"glossary-term\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-describedby=\"definition\" href=\"#term_612_2607\">imposter syndrome<\/a> can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don\u2019t hesitate to apply \u2014 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"textbox tryIt\" aria-label=\"Try It\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"ohm24690\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/ohm.one.lumenlearning.com\/multiembedq.php?id=24690&theme=lumen&iframe_resize_id=ohm24690&source=tnh&show_question_numbers\" width=\"100%\" height=\"150\"><\/iframe><br \/>\n<\/section>\n<hr class=\"before-footnotes clear\" \/><div class=\"footnotes\"><ol><li id=\"footnote-612-1\">Honeysett, Alex. \u201cThe #1 Tip for Writing a Compelling, Makes-People-Want-to-Share-it Blog Post.\u201d The Muse, June 19, 2020. https:\/\/www.themuse.com\/advice\/the-1-tip-for-writing-a-compelling-makespeoplewanttoshareit-blog-post <a href=\"#return-footnote-612-1\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 1\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-612-2\">Ibid. <a href=\"#return-footnote-612-2\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 2\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-612-3\">Gambrell, Simon\u00e9. \u201cJob Posting Template.\u201d Betterteam, April 17, 2024. https:\/\/www.betterteam.com\/job-posting-template <a href=\"#return-footnote-612-3\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 3\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><li id=\"footnote-612-4\">Lenore. \u201cInclusion Statement in Job Postings: What Are They and Should You Use One?\u201d Gorge Hired, October 22, 2022. https:\/\/gorgehired.com\/inclusion-statement-in-job-postings-what-are-they-and-should-you-use-one\/ <a href=\"#return-footnote-612-4\" class=\"return-footnote\" aria-label=\"Return to footnote 4\">&crarr;<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div><div class=\"glossary\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\" id=\"definition\">definition<\/span><template id=\"term_612_2445\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_612_2445\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>I\/O psychology is a field of psychology that applies psychological theories and principles to organizations and the workplace. It focuses on studying employee behavior, assessing and developing workplace productivity, and enhancing the physical and mental well-being of employees. I\/O psychologists work on a variety of issues, including talent management, coaching, assessment, selection, training, organizational development, performance, and work-life balance.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_612_2606\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_612_2606\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>The confidence gap refers to the phenomenon where an individual, often due to gender, social, or cultural factors, feels less confident in their abilities compared to others, despite having similar qualifications or skills. This can result in hesitancy to apply for jobs, seek promotions, or take on new challenges due to a self-perceived lack of competence.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><template id=\"term_612_2607\"><div class=\"glossary__definition\" role=\"dialog\" data-id=\"term_612_2607\"><div tabindex=\"-1\"><p>Imposter syndrome is the internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. Individuals with imposter syndrome might attribute their success to luck rather than to their own skills or effort.<\/p>\n<\/div><button><span aria-hidden=\"true\">&times;<\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close definition<\/span><\/button><\/div><\/template><\/div>","protected":false},"author":9,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"original\",\"description\":\"Writing a Job Posting\",\"author\":\"Nina Burokas\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Job Analysis\",\"author\":\"\",\"organization\":\"OpenStax CNX\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/cnx.org\/contents\/Sr8Ev5Og@5.52:1AvH1oKc@5\/Industrial-Psychology-Selectin\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"Download for free at http:\/\/cnx.org\/content\/col11629\/latest\/.\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Recruiting and Selecting Qualified Job Applicants\",\"author\":\"Lisa Jo Rudy\",\"organization\":\"Lumen Learning\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-principlesofmanagement\/chapter\/recruiting-and-selecting-qualified-job-applicants\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"part":608,"module-header":"learn_it","content_attributions":[{"type":"original","description":"Writing a Job Posting","author":"Nina Burokas","organization":"Lumen Learning","url":"","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":""},{"type":"cc","description":"Job Analysis","author":"","organization":"OpenStax CNX","url":"http:\/\/cnx.org\/contents\/Sr8Ev5Og@5.52:1AvH1oKc@5\/Industrial-Psychology-Selectin","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":"Download for free at http:\/\/cnx.org\/content\/col11629\/latest\/."},{"type":"cc","description":"Recruiting and Selecting Qualified Job Applicants","author":"Lisa Jo Rudy","organization":"Lumen Learning","url":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/wm-principlesofmanagement\/chapter\/recruiting-and-selecting-qualified-job-applicants\/","project":"","license":"cc-by","license_terms":""}],"internal_book_links":[],"video_content":null,"cc_video_embed_content":{"cc_scripts":"","media_targets":[]},"try_it_collection":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/612"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4389,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/612\/revisions\/4389"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/608"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/612\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=612"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=612"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/content.one.lumenlearning.com\/businesscommunication\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}