How to write a job advert (with examples)

Posted: 20th May 2019 by Natashia Larkin in Candidate Attraction

When recruiting, your job advert is your first chance to attract talented individuals to your roles.
This is also the first impression that candidates will get of your business and you know what they
say about first impressions!

With one in five (20%) job hunters revealing that they’d be put off applying to a role with an
unclear job description, it’s vital that you get it right.

Spending time and effort on your initial posting can be extremely beneficial, saving you time and
money in the long run. Get it wrong and you could end up with a string of irrelevant applicants,
or worse, none at all.

That’s why we’re here to help. This comprehensive guide will explain how to structure your
advert and reveal what content you need to include. We’ll also cover off the key ‘do’s and
don’ts’ of writing a job description.

Structuring your job advert

While it might be tempting to get creative when advertising your jobs, you should always follow
a basic format.

In fact, getting the structure right is an important first step towards writing a strong job advert.
This will ensure that you have a clear layout and only include the most relevant information.

We will discuss each section in more detail below, but for now, here is the basic checklist to
follow when writing your job advert:

 Job title
 Salary
 Location
 Introduction to your business
 Role and responsibilities
 Key requirements (qualifications and skills)

What to include in each section

We will now breakdown the job advert one section at a time to help you gain a better
understanding of what to include. We’ll also illustrate this with examples.

1. Job title
Arguably, the most important part of writing an advert is getting the job title right. This is the
best way to attract the most relevant candidates.

It can be tempting to come up with creative or unique titles to try to attract candidates. But the
truth is, these could actually damage your chances. Be specific and use recognisable keywords.

Remember, when conducting their search, job hunters will use these keywords and if your job
title doesn’t conform, it could be harder for them to find your vacancies.

So don’t beat around the bush. If it’s a ‘Marketing Executive’ that you want, make sure that’s
what you’re asking for. You could also include the seniority in your titles e.g junior or assistant.

2. Salary and location

Below the job title it is common practise to include the salary (or salary bracket) and the
location. While it’s not mandatory to include this information, it is an effective way to ensure
you attract the right candidates.

Without this information you risk a host of job hunters applying, despite not living locally. Not
only this, but you might find a great candidate, only to lose them further down the line because
the salary wasn’t what they were expecting. It’s better to be clear right from the start.

Using the right job title, salary and location is particularly important as it also gives your
vacancies a better chance of appearing in Google’s job search index.

3. The introduction

Next you need a small introduction – just a few sentences – which outlines your business and the
role you’re advertising for. This really doesn’t need to be long as you’ll go into more detail later
on.

This section should contain keywords that help candidates know right from the start if this role is
something they’d be interested in. Try to include the job title, industry and some relevant skills
or experience that would be advantageous.

This is also your chance to let the candidate know a little bit more about your business and why
you’re a great company to work for. Think of this as a sales pitch; why should talented
candidates want to come and work for you?

Example

{Your company name} specialises in {your industry or niche} and has an exciting opportunity for
an enthusiastic Marketing Executive to join our dynamic team. This permanent position is well
suited to an individual that is looking to advance their career in marketing and gain hands-on
experience in a thriving and supportive workplace.
3. The objectives

After introducing the position, it’s a good idea to set out the goals or objectives for the candidate.
Again, this doesn’t need to be long, just a few sentences will do.

This is a nice opportunity to help the candidate understand the role they’ll play, and the
contribution they will make within the business.

Example

Based within the marketing department, you will work closely with all areas of marketing, to
assist with the design and production of exciting campaigns and helping the team to achieve
agreed targets. This exciting position offers opportunity to progress into a higher role.

4. Responsibilities

Next it’s important to outline what the role will entail and list a few of the main responsibilities.
It’s a good idea to break these up into smaller paragraphs, or better still, bullet points. This
makes it clearer and easier for candidates to digest.

The responsibilities of the role are important to candidates. No one wants boring daily tasks, or
to end up disliking their job. As such, it’s vital to always be honest about what will be expected
of candidates.

Example

 Writing a range of B2B and B2C marketing materials

 Managing day-to-day running of company blogs, ensuring posts are SEO-focused
 Generating content for company social media platforms including Facebook,
Twitter and LinkedIn
 Creating exciting content for both internal and external communications and
promotional materials
 Liaising with external agencies

5. Requirements

Now you need to outline the key requirements of the position; there are a number of parts to this.
The requirements themselves will depend on the level of the role. It can be helpful to use bullet
points in this section as well.

State whether your candidate needs qualifications, for example specific A-Levels, certificates or
a degree. Make sure you clarify whether these qualifications are vital in order to be considered
for the role, or whether they’re just advantageous.
You also need to outline any personality traits or soft skills you wish your candidate to possess.
For example, maybe you want them to be enthusiastic, with good communication skills and have
an interest in the industry.

If you would like someone with a certain amount of experience, this is your chance to highlight
this. You may also require your candidate to have a background in your industry.

Example

 Degree in marketing, business or another relevant subject (minimum of 2:1

qualification)
 2-3 years marketing experience in a similar role
 Knowledge of {industry} is advantageous but not essential
 Proficient in all Microsoft programmes
 Excellent project management skills and attention to detail
 Good communication skills

6. Your company

You should also take this opportunity to outline any great benefits or perks that the candidate
would receive in your employment. Today’s employees want to feel valued at work. Workplace
perks are important to today’s professionals, so don’t forget to include these in your job advert.

What you need to avoid

There are a few common mistakes that you need to watch out for when writing a job advert. As
we’ve already mentioned, candidates are put off by unclear job descriptions and this also goes
for poorly written or vague adverts. Below we outline the top four mistakes to avoid at all costs:

1. Unnecessary jargon: While you might think it sounds more knowledgeable, littering a job
advert with buzzwords, acronyms and jargon can actually have a negative effect on application
rates. Instead, be sure to use clear and concise keywords, only using abbreviations or buzzwords
if totally necessary.

2. Leaving out key information: Don’t neglect the basic information. By adding the job title,
location and salary to the top of the job advert, you’ll ensure you receive more relevant job
applications and boost your presence on Google.

While some employers choose to leave out the salary so they can negotiate on it later on, not
including this can actually put candidates off applying. Particularly given that candidates know
what they want from a job (salary included) and search with this criteria in mind.

3. Spelling and grammar mistakes: Basic mistakes in your job advert can look unprofessional
and sloppy. Make sure you proofread your advert several times and maybe even get someone
else to look over it just to double check.
After all, you’d definitely judge a candidate if they made sloppy mistakes in their application.
So be sure to lead by example.

4. Ignoring the structure: You don’t want your job advert to be one big chunk of text. This can
make it hard to read and will likely deter candidates from even trying. Be sure to use smaller
paragraphs and bullet points to break it up and create a clear and concise layout.

In summary
Your hiring process starts with your job advert and you risk damaging your brand if you don’t
get it right.

Taking the time to perfect your job advert from the start can be hugely beneficial, saving you
money and resources. Not to mention the fact that it can boost your application rates.

Follow our simple structure and make sure you include only the relevant information. That way,
candidates can decide quickly if they’re interested in the role and see if they have the required
skills for the job.

This will help to ensure that only the best candidates will apply, helping you to fill your
vacancies quicker! Once your’e ready to post you job, make sure you follow our top tips.
Program Officer
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Objective
To provide support in implementing the activities (field operations) including planning,
monitoring, finance and logistical services for the Dodoma Area Office, and ensure effective and
transparent utilization of all resources and integrity of administration and operation department.
Project Background Good Neighbors Tanzania – Dodoma Area Office is expecting to
implement a project with Bahi District Council, funded by the Good Neighbors International in
Korea.
The project will be implemented in Uhelela, Nagulo and Mkakatika villages - Bahi District,
Dodoma region, Tanzania by early 2020.
Supervision:
The Program Officer will be supervised by the Good Neighbors Tanzania Country Director and
Managing Director in Head office, and work in close collaboration with the operations,
administration and project teams in Good Neighbors Tanzania.
Direct work performance evaluation will be by the line managers of Dodoma Area office and
Country Director and Managing Director of GNTZ Head Office.
This is a full-time position based in Dodoma, Tanzania for Nationals of the Republic of
Tanzania.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist Operation Division in providing supports for the below duties.Planning the activities
within budget and implementing the project.
Conducting activity monitoring with relevant instrument and data to ensure quality of work.
Liaising and managing relationship with partners and other related organizations.Researching
relevant data and information for the work and developing strategy of the organization for
innovation.
Executing and managing budget expenditure.
Preparing and submitting documents related to activity monitoring and budget
execution.Performing any other duties as may be assigned by the authority.

Competencies and Qualification

Bachelor degree/ Diploma in Sociology,
Community development,
Rural and Urban planning,
Public Administration
Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness and Economics
.Work experience of 2 to 4 years, working in the same field of project implementation,
management,
M&E.Excellent skills in use of Microsoft Excel, MS word and Power Point.Fluency in both
English and Kiswahili.
Ability to work in an international and multi-national environment.
Well-organized, resourceful with good planning and problem-solving abilities.
A team player, flexible, quick-thinking and able to work well under pressure.
Commitment to the Organization vision, mission, values and goals.
Commitment to abide by Good Neighbors Tanzania Staff Terms and Regulations.

Mode of Application:
Interested and qualified Tanzanians are invited to send their applications with only enclosed
through email:
English written Cover letter showing your competence and why you want to work with Good
neighbors Tanzania.Detailed curriculum vitae containing the complete names of candidate,
active and complete addresses (postal, email, phone); together with names and active contact
details of three referees.

The application should be addressed to:

Managing Director, GOOD NEIGHBORS TANZANIA, P.O. Box 2946 Dodoma, Plot 1,
Hombolo Street, Block No; 83. E-mail: hr.dodoma@goodneighbors.or.tz Deadline: Submission
of applications should reach the management not later than10 th January 2020 at 3:30 pm. Note
that: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted through their active mobile numbers and
email. Candidates will have to take care of their expenses for transport and accommodation
during the interview. There will be no any refund for any expenses incurred
Programme Officer Infrastructure
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European Development Fund

Dodoma
Programme Officer Infrastructure European Development Fund – Programme Support Unit
(EDF – PSU) is within the Ministry of Finance and Planning, established under the External
Finance Division.
The European Development Fund (EDF) is the European Union’s (EU) main instrument for
providing development aid to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and to Overseas
Countries and Territories (OCTs).The activities of the EDF cooperation are in the fields of
economic development, social and human development as well as regional cooperation and
integration. The partnership between Tanzania and the EU is anchored in the Cotonou
Partnership Agreement, which is the framework agreement for the EU’s relations since 2000
with 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP). The Cotonou Partnership
Agreement (CPA) between African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the European
Union (EU) stipulates that, “The Government of each ACP State shall appoint a National
Authorising Officer to represent it in all operations financed from the resources from the multi-
annual financial framework of cooperation under this Agreement managed by the Commission
and the Bank. The National Authorising Officer shall appoint one or more deputy National
Authorising Officers to replace him when he is unable to carry out his duties and shall inform the
Commission of this appointment” In Tanzania, the National Authorising Officer of the European
Development Fund, is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Finance and Planning. In
order to carry out his mandate as stipulated in the CPA, the Permanent Secretary established
EDF – PSU which acts as a quality controller on all EDF Programmes in Tanzania and ensures
timely and quality inputs to the EU Project Cycle Management. Also, the unit is the main
interlocutor between the EU and Ministries and other entities that are implementing EU funded
projects.
Day-to-day activities of the unit are managed by the Deputy National Authorising Officer for
EDF as the Head of the unit Some of the functions of the unit include preparation of financing
proposals, evaluation of tenders, authorising payments and monitoring and evaluations of
projects and programmes.
The Unit is inviting applications from dynamic, energetic and proactive Tanzanians with
required technical skills and experience to fill the following three (3) vacancies.

Programme Officer – Infrastructure Reports to: Head of Programmes Station: Dodoma Contract
Period: Three years with possibilities of renewal depending on performance and availability of
funds Summary of duties and responsibilities:
• Provide policy and strategic advice to the Head of Programmes on infrastructure matters as
stipulated in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, national development and poverty reduction
strategies and the Nth EDF National Indicative Programme or other relevant EU development
financing instruments;
• Facilitate identification, preparation, implementation and appraisal of EU funded infrastructure
projects;
• Ensure technical and financial monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects, including the
participation to stakeholders meetings and site meetings/visits; • Ensure revision and follow up
of formal communications, claims, payments and any other contractual requirements;
• Prepare and process tender documents for services, supplies and works contracts and prepare
contracts and addenda for infrastructure projects;
• Monitor fulfilment of government undertakings as stipulated in respective in financing
agreements for various infrastructure and infrastructural related projects, general budget/ sector
supports with specific reference to
• Performance Assessment Framework;
• Train and support counterparts and Programme Managers on EDF and EU rules and
procedures; and
• Undertake any responsibilities as assigned from time to time.
• Contribute to the programming/design of new EU-funded projects Qualification and
experience:
• Applicants must have a bachelor degree in civil engineering or related fields;
• Master degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, Construction
Law or related field is added advantage;
• Applicants must have at least five (5) years working experience in procurement and
management of civil works project; at least 2 years in a supervision team of works contracts;
• Applicant have to be registered by Tanzania Engineers Registration Board; and
• Proven ability to interact competently with donor agencies on issues related to aid
coordination. Knowledge and experience on EDF procedures is an added advantage. Key
competencies
• Demonstrated professional experience in the design, management and/or supervision of road
construction/rehabilitation and maintenance works;
• Demonstrated professional experience in the preparation, examination and administration of
tender dossiers for works, supplies and consultancy services including (paved and unpaved)
roads, bridges and public buildings;
• A strong background in financial, technical and contractual management of large infrastructure
(roads) programmes, Project Cycle Management and Conditions of Contract;
• In depth knowledge of Project Cycle Management, developing and implementing monitoring
and evaluation systems based on performance indicators;
• A very good command of legal and professional skills, written and spoken English and Swahili
are necessary; and
• Demonstrated practical experience and sound claim analysis and application of dispute
resolution procedures including amicable settlement, conciliation and/or arbitration will be an
added advantage

MODE OF APPLICATION
• Applications must be directed to Email: recruitment@psu.go.tz
• Applications by other means will not be accepted. Application letters, up-to-date Curriculum
Vitae (CV) and motivation letter (of not more than one page) must be in English and combined
in as one document Your CV must indicate current physical address, telephone contacts and
three reputable referees with their reliable contacts including phone numbers and email
addresses. • Also, attach compressed folder of scanned copies of Postgraduate/Degree/Advanced
Diploma/Diploma/Form IV/FormVI National Examination Certificates and results transcripts
(Form IV and form VI results slips, testimonials and all partial transcripts are not acceptable),
Professional registration and training certificates from respective registration or regulatory
bodies and birth certificates. Certificates from Foreign Universities and foreign examination
bodies for Ordinary or Advanced level education must be accompanied by a verification
document from Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) and National Examination Council
of Tanzania (NECTA)/ National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) respectively. • An
applicant employed in the Public Service should route his/her application letter through his/her
respective employers. • Applicants with special needs/case (disability) are supposed to indicate
that in their applications. • Please mention the job title/ vacancy name as the subject line when
sending application. • Failure to do that your application will not be processed. • Only shortlisted
candidates will be contacted for interview
Planning and Construction Engineer I at Shinyanga Urban
Water Supply and...
(SHUWASA)
Tanzania (+1 other)
Number of Posts: One (1) Reporting to: Technical Manager Supervises: None Duty Station:
Shinyanga
Qualification and Experience:
Holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil/Environmental/Water Resource Engineering or its
equivalent from a recognized University/lnstitution with minimum work experience of four (4) in
the related field.
Must be registered as a Professional Engineer with Engineers Registration Board and ICT
literate with interpersonal communication skills.
Knowledge in application of Auto CAD related in Water Supply and Sanitation will be an added
advantage.

Main Duties and Responsibilities: –

Planning, designing and supervising construction and rehabilitation of water supply structures
and buildings Preparing weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports on construction works.
Preparing bills of quantities and estimate for water structures and buildings.
Carrying out preliminary investigation of water works for new connections.
Undertaking water works Construction.
Undertaking proper rehabilitation of buildings Producing workable drawing of water works
Performing any other duties as may be assigned by Technical Manager
Environmental Specialist
Department: Advisory Job type: Contract Closing date: 25-Nov-19
Location: Dodoma / Dar es Salaam Reference Number: 128-TAN00056 The Company At PwC,
our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We’re a network of firms in
157 countries with over 276,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance,
advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at
www.pwc.com. In Advisory, we help organizations to work smarter and grow faster. We consult
with our clients to build effective organizations, innovate, grow, reduce costs, manage risk and
regulation and leverage talent.

PwC Tanzania Advisory invites applications from qualified candidates for the position below:
Environmental Specialist Roles & Responsibilities Available on Request Education
• MSc Degree in Science, Engineering, Environmental Management, Ecology, or any other
related field
• Registered by a recognized institution as professional in field of specialization Experience
• 10 years’ overall experience out of which 5 years should be relevant experience in
environmental and social assessment.
• Considerable experience in environmental aspects of three large water and sanitation
investment projects.
• Practical knowledge and experience with World Bank safeguard procedures would be a
considerable advantage.
• Experience in training or capacity building in Environmental Safeguards Skills
• Managerial and effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical, innovative, business oriented
• Ability to work and communicate in an international environment and in communities of
diverse cultures
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary team and run projects achieve the set goals
• Skills in capacity building and transferring skills to local partners at national and local levels
• Excellent computer and conversant with Microsoft Office packages
• Excellent report writing skills Duty station:
• Dodoma / Dar es Salaam

Duration:
• 6 months (over a period of 36 months) on part time basis
Administrative Assistant Job Description
We are looking for a master multi-tasker with excellent communication skills and an upbeat
attitude. Candidates should be able to assist management and all visitors to the company by
handling office tasks, providing polite and professional assistance via phone, mail, and e-mail,
making reservations or travel arrangements, and generally being a helpful and positive presence
in the workplace.

To be successful as an Administrative Assistant, candidates should be professional, polite, and

attentive while also being accurate. They should always be prepared and responsive, willing to
meet each challenge directly. Administrative Assistants must be comfortable with computers,
general office tasks, and excel at both verbal and written communication. Most importantly,
Administrative Assistants should have a genuine desire to meet the needs of others.

Administrative Assistant Responsibilities:

 Handling office tasks, such as filing, generating reports and presentations, setting up for
meetings, and reordering supplies.
 Providing real-time scheduling support by booking appointments and preventing
conflicts.
 Making travel arrangements, such as booking flights, cars, and making hotel and
restaurant reservations.
 Screening phone calls and routing callers to the appropriate party.
 Using computers to generate reports, transcribe minutes from meetings, create
presentations, and conduct research.
 Greet and assist visitors.
 Maintain polite and professional communication via phone, e-mail, and mail.
 Anticipate the needs of others in order to ensure their seamless and positive experience.

Administrative Assistant Requirements:

 Associate’s Degree in related field.

 Prior administrative experience.
 Excellent computer skills, especially typing.
 Attention to detail.
 Multilingual may be preferred or required.
 Desire to be proactive and create a positive experience for others.