Quick-Tips for Effective Job Announcements

• Use Instructional Language. Guide the candidate using familiar step-by-step language like this:
  
  "To apply for this position, you must have the following qualifications"
  
  
• Use Rhetorical Questions. These are as familiar and engaging as Q&A's, but don't require an answer:
  
  "Do you have the right background to apply for this position? To find out, see if you have the following"
  
  
• Highlight the Value of the Job. Accentuate what the position brings to co-workers, the agency, or the nation:
  
  "Your duties in this position are to help the office function more smoothly by taking on these responsibilities - among others"
  
  
• Use Familiar Language. Make candidates feel that they belong. For instance, use language like:
  
  "You should address job-related competencies or Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, on a separate sheet of paper."
  
  
• Use White Space and Bullets. Candidates find densely formatted text difficult and unfriendly. Use white space and bullets, for example:
  
  Are you:
  
  
  • A 30 percent compensable veteran;
  • Eligible for a Veterans' Readjustment Appointment (VRA); or
  • Severely handicapped?

  If so, we may be able to consider you for special hiring authority.

• Use Interesting Headers. Make sure headers guide the candidate to what they most need to know. Say:
  
  How to Apply for this Position or How Can I Apply for this Position?
  
  
• Put Results Where the Candidate Can See Them. Focus on the beginning of a line or bullet:
  
  Assure a smooth workflow by receiving, recording, sorting, collecting, mailing, and distributing incoming and outgoing work
  
  
• Speak Directly to the Reader. Use the second person "you" or imperative. For instance:
  
  Provide a copy of your college transcript when applying...
  
  
• Use Effective Structure. Emphasize the most important information in the first paragraph and provide the least important information in the middle.




• Provide Complete Information. Either provide specifics or tell candidates where to find additional information.