How to Write an Effective and Compliant Job Advertisement

Looking to hire your next team member? A well-written, engaging and compliant job advertisement can make your vacancy stand out in a competitive market and help attract high-quality candidates.

An effective job ad not only showcases the role but also communicates your organisation’s values and culture. Below are the essential elements every business should include, followed by key compliance considerations.

The Essentials of a Strong Job Advertisement

• Clear Job Title

  The job title should be clear, market-relevant and easily recognisable to candidates. Avoid internal jargon or unusual titles that may confuse applicants or limit the reach of your advertisement.

• Employment Type (and possibly hourly rate or salary)

  Be sure to state whether the role is casual, part-time, full-time or fixed-term. You may also wish to include the salary or hourly rate. Providing this information upfront can increase the number of suitable applicants, as candidates can assess whether the pay meets their needs before applying. It also helps avoid situations where strong candidates withdraw later in the process after discovering the pay is not suitable.

• Concise Role Description

  Summarise the main duties and responsibilities in 3–5 sentences. This helps candidates quickly grasp what the role involves and makes expectations clear from the outset.

• Qualifications and Experience

  Specify the qualifications, skills or experience required for the role. This not only filters applications but also increases the likelihood of receiving relevant, quality candidates.

• Company Overview

  Share a snapshot of your organisation - what you do, your purpose and your values. Candidates are more likely to apply if they feel aligned with your company’s culture and mission.

• Location and Working Hours

  Be transparent about where the role is based and the expected hours. This ensures candidates can self-assess suitability early, saving time for both you and them during the recruitment process.

🔧 Fair Work Australia offers a job advertisement template you can access here: Templates & Resources.

Writing a Compliant Job Advertisement

Beyond being clear and engaging, job advertisements must also be compliant. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

• Avoid Discrimination

  Job ads must not directly or indirectly exclude candidates based on protected attributes such as gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or parental status.

• Accuracy and Honesty

  Ads should not be misleading or deceptive about the nature of the role. Employers are legally required to ensure the information provided is truthful and accurate.

• Inclusive and Neutral Language

  Use gender-neutral and inclusive terms throughout. For example, “sales representative” is preferable to “salesman.”

• Pay Transparency and Compliance

  If pay details are included, they must reflect at least the minimum entitlements under the relevant award, agreement, or minimum wage laws.

✅ For more detail, check out Fair Work Australia’s guide on prohibited job ads.

By including the right details and ensuring compliance with workplace laws, your job advertisement can effectively attract strong candidates while protecting your business from potential risks.  Since a job ad is often the first impression candidates have of your business, presenting it clearly and professionally can make all the difference.