How to post successful job advertisements

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In our article How to create strong job advertisements, we walk you through the steps to writing a successful job advertisement. Now, it’s time to decide where and how you’ll share your opportunity with the world. 

Start by considering all your options - think from the perspective of the potential candidates. Where do they look for work? Where do they hang out – in person and online?

Think about how you can raise awareness of your hiring plans with your network. Working with a larger net may help you catch your next great hire from a place you least expected. 

When posting your job ad, there are many options to consider depending on your budget of both money and time. Your list of options includes the Internet, print, social media, college or university job boards, community centres, etc.

Here are some suggested places for posting job ads: 

  • Government job boards
  • Local or city newspapers or their recruitment websites
  • Kijiji or other classified websites
  • Professional organizations
  • Commercial recruitment websites
  • Social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
  • Employee, supplier, and vendor referrals
  • Your own website

Let’s explore some of these ideas further: 


Online job boards: 

Keep in mind some job boards are free, and some have fees. Here are some better known national job boards. Don’t forget to look at local job boards as well! 

Community gathering sites like YMCAs and other gyms, libraries, local recreation and performing arts centres, shopping malls, places of worship, cafeterias, and public transit shelters. These often have bulletin boards (both real and virtual) where you can post your ad. Be sure to check for any posting rules or guidelines before posting your ad.

Personal connections including current employees, regular customers, suppliers, family, neighbours, and people you see often at those community gathering sites mentioned above. Word of mouth, especially from someone who is familiar with the business, can be gold when it comes to attracting candidates. 

Social media sites and apps include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Tik Tok. Job postings can complement your other social media activities that promote your goods and services, build your brand, show the workplace culture, and allow you to interact with customers, future customers, and the community. Use your own photos and videos, and don’t be shy to ask your contacts and followers to share your job posts with their contacts.