The Secret to Writing Job Ads That Attract the Right People

The Secret to Writing Job Ads That Attract the Right People - featured image

Featured Image Prompt (Place this above the article):

If your job ad is attracting the wrong candidates, you’re not alone. Many employers in Nigeria struggle to find quality applicants simply because the job ad is too vague, too long, or missing key details.

Here’s the secret: a good job ad is clear, simple, and targeted. It speaks directly to the kind of person you want to hire.

Here are 5 things to focus on when writing a job ad that brings in the right talent:

1. Use a Clear Job Title

Avoid fancy or confusing titles. Instead of saying “Rockstar Sales Ninja”, just say “Sales Representative”. People search for common titles, so make it easy for them to find your job.

2. Describe the Role Simply

Be honest and direct about the job duties. Don’t try to oversell or hide the hard parts.

Write in short sentences. Use bullet points where possible. For example:

Responsibilities:

  • Handle customer calls and emails

  • Follow up on leads

  • Record sales in CRM

This makes your ad easier to read and more attractive.

3. Say What You’re Looking For

List the key skills, education, or experience you expect. Keep it realistic. Don’t ask for 5 years of experience for an entry-level job.

Also include soft skills like:

  • Strong communication

  • Good time management

  • Ability to work under pressure

4. Include Salary and Location (If Possible)

Many job seekers skip ads without a salary range or clear location. If you’re transparent, you’ll attract more serious applicants.

Even a rough range is better than none.

For example:
📍 Ikeja, Lagos
💰 ₦150,000 – ₦200,000/month

This saves everyone time.

5. Add a Friendly Company Summary

Before the duties and requirements, write 2–3 short lines about your company. Say what you do and why someone would enjoy working with you.

Example:
ABC Foods is a growing FMCG company based in Lagos. We value teamwork, creativity, and helping our employees grow.

Always read your job ad out loud before posting. If it sounds too formal, too confusing, or too long, your ideal candidate might scroll past.

Want more quality applicants? Post your next job on JobNet.ng and reach the right people, faster.

Francis Oyitoba

Francis Oyitoba

Head Developer

JobNet.ng

Full-stack developer with experience building scalable web applications using modern technologies across front-end and back-end. Passionate about clean code, intuitive UI/UX, and continuous learning.