3 tips for writing a good vacancy ad

Getting new volunteers on board is an exciting but also challenging task. How do you make sure that a volunteer clicks on your vacancy? Based on an analysis of our data, we have the following three tips for writing an attractive job posting.

1) Write an interesting title

A first impression is important. Everyone knows that. Therefore, use your title to describe in just a few words what the volunteer's task will be. Do not make the title longer than 6 words or 40 characters as only a part of the text will be displayed in the job overview.  

Do

✅ Clearly state what the role or activity of the volunteer will be (e.g. 'Event coordinator at homeless centre' or 'Helping to develop a marketing strategy')

✅ In addition you could also add one or two words about the purpose of the volunteer work (for example 'Donate blood and save lives!')

Avoid

❌ Use vague or one-word titles (e.g. "volunteer", "coordinator" or "employee")

❌ Put a date in the title - if the activity is during a holiday, put it in parentheses

❌Please emphasize the name of the charity - it will already be placed under the title

2) Choose an attractive photo

Before you start looking for images, think about what your organisation stands for and what the subject of the vacancy is. The right photos are an excellent representation of your organisation and will attract volunteers' attention.

In case you can't find quality images of previous events, look for a suitable picture on these websites: unsplash.com or pexels.com.

Do

✅ Photos that express the purpose of the organisation or activity

✅ Smiling people and team photos

Avoid

❌ Use a logo or text as cover photo

❌ Opt for low image quality or irrelevant photos. However, good images that clearly show what the activity is about can be hard to find. Instead, you can show the goal (e.g. environment, children, etc.)

❌ Use the same image for every job posting

3) Write a clear Deed Description

Congratulations, you have now captured the volunteer's attention! The only thing left to do is to specify what you expect from the volunteer. The description should contain both an overview of the deed/role and the characteristics you expect from a volunteer. Try to keep it within 5 to 8 lines.

This structure is easy to follow:

1. The details

Explain in more detail what the role, activity or event entails. (Looking for ... to do A) (Activities include B... )

2. Enthuse

How volunteers will make a difference in the world by signing up and getting involved. (Benefits include C, D and E..., You are contributing to a day that will never be forgotten by F...)

3. Describe your ideal volunteer

It is good to go into detail when explaining what you are looking for in volunteers. Make sure you make clear what these characteristics are. (You must be available during... Experience with children is a must) .... 

Avoid

❌ Going into too much detail about the organisation - this is what the organisation page is for. Long pieces of text put people off.

❌ Use a single sentence as a description