How to Create a Help Wanted Ad

Co-authored by Madison Boehm

Last Updated: March 8, 2022 References

Help wanted advertising is used to solicit hired help, or new employees. This type of advertising typically runs in the classifieds section of newspapers and publications, as well as on Internet classifieds sites. Because help wanted ads are often surrounded by other, competing ads, it is important to draft ads in a way that will attract readers and incite those who are qualified to inquire further into the position being advertised. Therefore, a help wanted advertisement should embody certain characteristics. Follow these guidelines to create a help wanted ad.^{[1]
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Sample Help Wanted Ads

Sample Help Wanted Ad

Help Wanted Ad Template

Sample Craigslist Job Ad

Method 1

Method 1 of 1:

Creating a Help Wanted Ad

1
Begin with an attention-grabbing headline. Use positive language and action-oriented verbs, and include specific details about the position and employer. For example, a help wanted ad headline reading, "Secretary needed for realty office," could be more effectively reworded in this way: "Dynamic Executive Assistant needed to organize, manage and oversee office procedures for busy, uptown real estate firm."^{[2]
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2
Provide the basics. Before you get into the more creative aspects of writing help wanted ads, it is important that you provide readers with some basic information that will give them a preliminary idea of what your ad is all about:^{[3]
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- Give your company name and location. If possible, describe your company's mission or purpose.^{[4]
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  Madison Boehm
  Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2021}
- List the job title, along with specifics like job level, full/part time, temporary/permanent, night/day shift, salary range, application due date and date needed to start.^{[5]
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  Madison Boehm
  Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2021}
- An example of a suitable help wanted advertising opener would be, "ABC Corporation, located in Capital City, is currently seeking a full-time, entry-level Specialist to assume the night shift on a temporary contract basis. Salary is market-competitive and commensurate with experience. Applications must be submitted by March 1, as this position is expected to start on April 1 and run for a total of 6 months."
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3
Summarize what you are looking for in an employee.
- Qualifications include any expertise that may be required for the job, such as knowledge of computer programming, familiarity with specialized equipment, proficiency within a certain skill-set and or an understanding of job-related terminology. For example, your help wanted ad qualifications list may read like, "must know how to use basic accounting software, able to use a 10-key with 100 percent accuracy and familiar with billing/coding terms."
- List any formal training requirements. Help wanted ads should include details about college education and/or special certification courses that apply to the position.
- Offer a clear and conscience list of what the new hire will be doing on a daily basis on your company.^{[6]
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  Madison Boehm
  Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2021}
- Be specific about the type of experience you are seeking in prospective employees. In addition to employment-length guidelines, also include generalized experience requirements. For example, you may say, "Candidates should have at least 2 years of hands-on experience working in the industry, and should be able to prove focused experience in the areas of customer service, recruiting and training."
4
Describe what you offer employees. This is a chance to sell yourself, and should include a number of components:^{[7]
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- Say something about your company's history and/or reputation. For example, you may include something like, "We are the industry-recognized leader in providing customized, effective marketing solutions, in business since 1977."
- Expound on the company culture. For example, you may choose to point out the open-door policy of management, the casual office atmosphere or the importance you place on team building.
- Offer details about the benefits of working for you, such as advancement opportunities, insurance, 401K matching, bonuses and incentives plans.^{[8]
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  Madison Boehm
  Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
  Expert Interview. 30 August 2021}
- Include a standard equal-opportunity employer disclaimer.
5
Close your help wanted ad with a call to action.
- Instruct interested prospects on how, exactly, to move forward with the application process. You may want them to fax a resume, email a letter of interest or complete an online application.^{[9]
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- Provide readers with a contact name, phone number and email address.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you make an attractive job ad?

Madison Boehm
Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus
Madison Boehm is a Business Advisor and the Co-Founder of Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. She specializes in business development, operations, and finance. Additionally, she has experience in the salon, clothing, and retail sectors. Madison holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from The University of Houston.

Madison Boehm

Business Advisor, Jaxson Maximus

Expert Answer

Write a few sentences about the company culture, as well as what you are looking for in terms of personality for the candidate. Be sure to mention if the job can be done remotely, too.
Question

Where do I find people looking for part-time work?

Community Answer

Craigslist is a good start, and oftentimes Facebook has regional employment groups. There are similar but more specialized websites for different fields (i.e. restaurant work, construction). Newspapers are pretty out of date, but might be worth consideration. College or high school bulletins. You can tailor further depending on what kind of work you need done.

Warnings

Avoid using too formal a tone in your help wanted advertising. You want to attract readers, and a great way to do that is to use a tone that is unique and reflective of your company's personality, atmosphere and culture.

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