How to Write a Good School Job Advert

Writing a good job advert is essential for schools that want to attract the best candidates for their open positions. A well-written job advert can help schools to stand out in a crowded job market and attract the attention of high-quality candidates who are passionate about education.

What to include on a school job advert

When creating a job advert for a school position, it is important to write it in a certain way and include specific details about the role and the qualifications or skills required. These include:

• Clearly state the job title and responsibilities
• Provide an overview of the school
• List the qualifications and experience required
• Provide information about the application process
• Highlight the benefits of working at the school
• Use inclusive language
• Be honest about the job
• Make the job advert visually appealing
• Use a clear and concise writing style
• Proofread the job advert

Clearly state the job title and responsibilities

The job title and responsibilities should be the first thing that candidates see when they read the job advert. The title should accurately reflect the position and be easy to understand. The responsibilities should be clearly stated and should give candidates an idea of what their day-to-day duties will be.

For example, if the school is hiring a teacher, the job title should be something like "Primary School Teacher" or "SEND Teaching Assistant". The responsibilities should include things like lesson planning, grading, and classroom management.

Provide an overview of the school

Candidates will be interested in learning about the school they may be working for. Provide a brief overview of the school, including its history, values, and any notable achievements. 

Highlight key strengths and accomplishments of the school such as the school's reputation, academic achievements, community involvement, extracurricular activities, or any unique programs that set it apart.

Sharing information about the school's mission and vision helps candidates understand the greater purpose they would be contributing to if they joined the school. This can be particularly meaningful for candidates who are motivated by making a difference in the lives of students or aligning their work with a greater cause.

List the qualifications and experience required

It's important to list the qualifications and experience required for the job. This will help candidates to determine whether they are a good fit for the position. 

Be specific about the required qualifications and experience, but also be realistic. Don't list qualifications or experience that are unnecessary or unrealistic for the position.

Provide information about the application process

Make sure to include information about the application process, including how to apply, what documents are required, and the deadline for applications. This can help to ensure that candidates provide all the necessary information and meet the application deadline.

Highlight the benefits of working at the school

Schools should highlight the benefits of working at the school within the job advert. This can include things like competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a positive work culture. 

Jobseekers are often interested in understanding the advantages and perks that come with a position and by highlighting them, you can capture candidates' attention and create a positive impression of the job. 

The benefits of a job provide an opportunity to showcase the unique value proposition your school offers to employees. It allows you to differentiate yourself from competitors and highlight what makes your workplace appealing and desirable. 

Use inclusive language

Using inclusive language reflects positively on your school and its values. It demonstrates that your institution respects diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. This can attract talented individuals who value such principles and align with your school's ethos. 

Avoid using language that is gendered or that may be perceived as exclusive. Instead, use gender-neutral language and be mindful of how certain words and phrases may be perceived.

Be honest about the job

It's important to be honest about the job and its requirements. Don't exaggerate the responsibilities or qualifications required for the position.

By accurately representing the role, responsibilities, and expectations in the job advert, you establish trust with potential candidates. Misleading or exaggerating information can lead to disappointment, mistrust, and ultimately harm the reputation of the school.

This can lead to candidates who are not a good fit for the job or who are disappointed when they discover that the job is not what they expected.

Make the job advert visually appealing

Make the job advert visually appealing by using clear headings, bullet points, and images. A visually appealing job advert stands out among other postings and captures the attention of job seekers. In a competitive job market, where candidates may be browsing through numerous listings, an eye-catching design can help draw their focus to your job advert.

A well-designed job advert reflects the professionalism and attention to detail of your school or organisation. It conveys that you value quality and take the hiring process seriously. This can positively influence candidates' perception of your institution and increase their interest in the position.

Use a clear and concise writing style

Use a clear and concise writing style in the job advert. Avoid using jargon or overly technical language. Use simple, straightforward language that is easy to understand.

Proofread the job advert

Proofreading helps identify and correct any errors or inaccuracies in the job advert. This includes typos, spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or incorrect information about the role, qualifications, or application process. A well-proofread advert enhances the credibility and professionalism of your school.

A carefully proofread job advert ensures that the message and information presented are clear and understandable. It helps avoid ambiguous or confusing language that may lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations by candidates. Clear communication in the advert sets the right expectations and avoids potential issues down the line.

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If you’re struggling to fill a full time role, or need last minute cover, why don’t you give us a call on 01772 954200 to see how we can help? One of our education consultants, Jamie Heath, will be happy to listen to the challenges which you are facing and advise on the best possible solution for you.

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