1. Create an attention-grabbing headline
Since competing ads might be surrounding yours, a catchy headline is a key component of getting more applicants to apply. Examples of headlines include:
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Join Our Team
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Now Hiring
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Help Wanted
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We’re Seeking (insert job title)
You can even include a perk your company offers, such as a sign-on bonus, to convince job seekers the position is worth applying for.
2. Provide basic job details
Interested readers typically want to know the role’s duties before spending time on an application. Include key information, such as:
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Your company’s name
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Location
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Job title
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Position type (part-time, contract)
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Expected hours of work
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Pay range
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Application due date
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Desired start date
3. Outline job requirements for candidates
List core skills, experience and education that may help candidates succeed. Examples of skills or experience you might include are:
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Formal education in a related field
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Excellent customer service skills
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Strong problem-solving skills
4. List benefits or perks you’re offering
In addition to expected pay, candidates may review unique offerings that make your organization stand out among competitors. You can include benefits, paid time-off (PTO) and other standout perks.
5. Include a call to action
A call to action includes instructions on how candidates can apply. Explain whether they should call, email, apply online or pick up a physical application.
Tips for successful help wanted advertising
To improve the effectiveness of your help wanted advertising, consider these tips:
Determine your target audience
When a vacancy opens at your company, consider the type of candidate who could add to your team and the job responsibilities.
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Is the position full-time or part-time?
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Will you need someone with experience, or is the job suitable for an intern looking to gain experience?
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What pay do you anticipate offering?
This information can help you craft a compelling job description for the ad.
Research your local area
Researching the local competition and job market can help you reach and attract a qualified talent pool. Maximize the impact of your help wanted ads by knowing what roles are in demand, where to post jobs in your area, the average salaries in your industry and where to find support for your hiring needs, such as local chambers of commerce.
Check out these market insights below:
Looking at an example of a help wanted ad from your competitors can also guide your ads.
Use inclusive language
When crafting your help wanted advertising, prioritize workplace inclusivity. Keep language gender-neutral and use wording that welcomes a diverse audience.
Seek input before you post
Following the steps outlined above, create two or three help wanted ads examples. Then, share them with other members of your team, such as your human resources (HR) representative or the individual who will directly supervise your new hire.
Ask them to review and choose the sample help wanted ad they prefer. You might gather several opinions before selecting.
Share your ad in different ways
Once you have your initial help wanted ad ready to share, use distribution and promotion channels to spread the word. Major online job boards are typically the most popular places to post help wanted ads. If you prefer a more traditional route and post a printed version of your ad, cost-effective examples might include:
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Signage in your business’ window
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Local newspapers or magazine classifieds
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Flyers with tear sheets
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Community bulletin boards at grocery stores
While these ads are primarily visible to locals, you can still benefit from word-of-mouth marketing. For example, someone could take a tear sheet or newspaper flyer and pass it on to a potential candidate outside the area.
If you’re looking to expand your reach, there are cost-effective and free ways to advertise online. Post on Indeed and personal and company social media pages. Online job postings help you expand your search and reach your target audience.
Help wanted ad examples
Consider which help wanted ad examples suit your hiring needs.
Window sign help wanted ad
Posting a job ad in your window or storefront can motivate customers to apply, which means they may already be familiar with your business, products and services. If you design the ad, the cost typically includes the price of materials, the software you use and printing fees.
When placing a help wanted sign in your window, ensure it’s visible and legible to passersby with easy-to-read font and bright colors. You might place the ad at eye level near the entrance to your business. Consider including a QR code so potential candidates can scan the ad with their phone and read more about the position online.
Window ad example
HELP WANTED Join the Busy Bee Bakery team! Baker $12-$15 per hour Part-time (20-25 hours per week) Monday to Friday, 1st shift Apply in person or online at busybeebakery.com/apply Benefits:
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Daily snacks
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Flexible schedule
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On-the-job training
College campus sample help wanted ad
Another low-cost option is to post your help wanted ad on a college campus bulletin board. Some colleges may charge you a posting fee or have rules on how long the ad can stay up and the size.
The most popular places to post your ad on a college campus include:
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Bulletin boards in student centers
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Career services centers
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Dorms
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Dining halls
Contact the college to learn about their process and where it’s acceptable to post your ad.
College flyer example
Join the Early Riser Cafe Team as a Part-Time Cook! $13/hr Located on Main Street 20 hours/week Flexible with school schedules Apply online at earlyrisercafe.com/apply
Help Wanted Ad Templates for PDF & Word
Download these catchy help wanted ad templates to help you attract your ideal candidate.
*Indeed provides these examples as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your HR or legal adviser, and none of these documents reflect current labor or employment regulations.
Frequently asked questions about how to write a help wanted ad
What’s the difference between a job description and a help wanted ad?
A job description establishes the duties and responsibilities for an open position and defines the skills and qualifications necessary for success in the role. A help wanted ad is a short blurb that informs prospective candidates about your open position.
How do you write a hiring social media post?
Use the caption and a visual to convey your hiring information to applicants. Put the most important details in the visual to catch the eye of scrolling users. Including a link to your online job application can serve as an effective call to action when advertising on social media.