Effective Job Advertisements: A Bit Of Humor

For a job advertisement to be effective it needs to provide information that captures the interest of the best candidates.  And yet, it must avoid any discriminatory language that might violate federal or state laws.  The advertisement should provide enough information about the job, including the education, experience and skills that will allow the candidate to decide whether or not s/he is a fit.  For just a moment I want to poke fun at a few current job advertisements I ran across.

For the first advertisement, let's roll on over to Craigslist/Houston and look at the advertisement for a "National Director of Human Resources."  We all know that there are guidelines for employers to use during the selection process. These guidelines ensure that the information requested is of business necessity only and is job-related.  This organization wants a complete profile including a picture and a short video of the candidate.  Really?  Requesting that an applicant submit a photograph, mandatory or optionally, at any time before hiring is an unfair pre-employment inquiry.  Can you read potentially discriminatory?  Employer please take note, it is totally acceptable to request a photograph after hiring and if for identification purposes.

Example number 2 can be found on CareerBuilder.com.  A real estate organization in San Antonio is seeking an HR Department Manager.  The posting reads, "Human Resource experience is not required."  Okay, not a problem - if there was an educational requirement in lieu of experience!  This organization is requesting that the individual create policies and procedures and be responsible for employment law.  There is a long laundry list of responsibilities for the position. As a potential employer, you should ponder some of the basic requirements of the position.  Take the time to properly identify and develop a description of the required behaviors, abilities, skills, and knowledge of the position.  My 17 year old could apply for the position and, theoretically, couldn't be disqualified from the application process.  He does have the reliable transportation, a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance that is requested in the posting.  With a base pay of $45 - 90K, I'm sure he'd just love it. 

 

The last posting, back at Craiglist/Houston, advertises a "2-day HR Gig."  The potential employer is requesting a "very experienced HR professional (2-5 years)" to work with them on a two day engagement.  The job?  Represent the employer on a two day "introduction presentation/session" with a client.  The individual is coached and prepped on the company, then on day two, the individual presents the information to the client.  The compensation for this jewel of a job "will be interesting" according to the advertisement.  I'd run from this one.  But, if any brave soul accepts this position, I'd be morbidly interested in the details!  I think there's smoke and mirrors involved here.

 

Happy recruiting!