Write the Advertisement

Help Wanted

The job advertisement is part of the recruitment strategy.

Locating a good selection of job applicants is vital to filling your position with a candidate who fits the job needs and your farm operation. The more people you have to choose from, the better your chances are of finding the right individual.

You may begin by using the "word of mouth" strategy - telling present and past employees, previous applicants, "stop by's", and salespeople, the milk truck driver…anyone you come in contact with, that you are looking for help.

Notify vocational and technical high schools and colleges, and your state employment agency of your job opening.

Ultimately, your recruitment strategy should include written advertisements. Running paid ads in newspapers and industry publications offer the best potential for developing a pool of applicants.

The Conundrum

Advertising is a balancing act, and, since it often can be expensive, you need to get the most and best applicants for your advertising dollar. You need to be concise, yet provide as much information as possible. The job needs to be described briefly, but adequately to attract qualified applicants.

The help wanted ad must be thorough, well written, and appealing.

AIDA

AIDA is an acronym to remember when writing an ad.

Attention: The lead into the advertisement needs to catch attention.

Interest: Inform the reader about the job and your farm; include "must have" skills.

Desire: Explain how the job will benefit the job seeker; "sell" them on working for you.

Action: This is the contact information you provide for the applicant to take action.

Questions the ad should answer

Bernie Erven, Professor Emeritus, Ohio State University suggests you ask the following questions as you write the advertisement.

1. Is the job title included and does it clearly identify the job?
2. Does the ad reflect the positive aspects of the job and employer?
3. Does the ad describe the necessary experiences, skills, knowledge, and abilities?
4. Is there indication that salary and benefits are competitive?
5. Does the ad explain how to apply?
6. If necessary, is a deadline for application indicated?

If you do not ask yourself these questions, you may end up with an ad that looks like this:

Wanted: Full time worker for a vegetable farm. Call 888-9999

or

Experienced and reliable person needed for general farm work. Call 888-9999

instead of

PERSONNEL MANAGER: Expanding, locally owned family business seeks an individual to fill the position of personnel manager. Responsibilities include recruitment, selection, benefits administration, and development of employee training programs. Qualified candidates should hold a B.S. in human resource management, business administration, or a closely related field. Full benefits package offered. Persons interested in being a team player should send a resume to P.O. Box 1874, Anytown, Ohio 44683.

or

Looking for a change? Like farm work and animals but not long hours? We are a modern food producer specializing in pork looking for an ambitious individual to care for our young livestock. You can start at 10:00am and be home with your family by 3:00. No experience needed - excellent training provided. Competitive wages and benefits. Weekend work optional. Submit your application at Sunrise Farms, Thursday - Saturday, 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

or

Want to join a winning team? We are accepting applications for assistant farm manager of a modern, efficient vegetable farm. Responsibilities include training and supervising two full time and four part-time employees, harvest equipment operation and maintenance, and other production related responsibilities. Previous farm experience, employee supervision and farm equipment operation desirable. Our excellent training program will help you succeed in this position. Attractive wage and fringe benefit package including health insurance. Call Kendra, arm Manager at Valley Wide Farms, 666-888-9999.

Which ads sound more interesting to you?