Writing the perfect want ad has a structure and it follows The Golden Circle. Why - How - What.
First I asked rhetorical questions trying to connect my Why with the Why of those reading the ad. My Why is to inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that, together, we can change the world. Anyone who doesn't want to change the world and who doesn't believe in the power of inspiration won't like working for me. The title of my ad alone will appeal to those who do.
With a quick nod to what the job is, I explain exactly what it's like to work for me. I'm honest about myself because I don't want any surprises and I don't want whoever gets the job to get something they weren't expecting either.
How I wrote the ad automatically screened out most of the "bad fits," so I wasn't overwhelmed with responses. And for the bad fits who did reply, it was easy for me to screen them out myself. Most importantly, the ad appealed to the "good fits," and all the candidates I met were amazing. I ended up hiring someone in less than a week she is fantastic.
Remember - there's no difference between customers or employees - people will either believe in what you believe and want to buy your products or they will believe in what you believe and want to work for you. That they are a customer or an employee is merely a behavioral difference. Either way, how you write your ad matters.
Good luck and feel free to email if you have any more questions.
Here is the actual ad I posted on Craig's list to hire a new personal assistant.
Do you believe you can change the world?
Do you believe the world needs a little more inspiration in it these days?
Do you want to help make the world a better place?
If so – I might want to meet you.
I’m looking for a personal assistant to help me on my quest. Everyday I wake up to find ways to inspire people to do the things that inspire them. I teach leaders and companies how to inspire people. I speak about it and write about it. But I can’t do it alone – I’m an organizational disaster – so I need help so that I can be as efficient and effective as possible.
There is no office, so you’ll be working virtually most of the time. You’ll have lots of flexibility and freedom with your schedule, so you can do other things – but I am not interested in someone who is a personal assistant to other people.
I travel a lot which means there is lots of scheduling that needs to get done – so you should be a super organized person.
And, as my personal assistant, I might ask for you to help with some personal errands too.
In a nutshell – I need a right-hand man (or woman)...I need a babysitter...I need someone who will help keep me organized and work with me to make this world a better place.
Can you help?
If you’re interested, drop me a note – tell me a little about you and we can set up some time to talk more.
Whoever will help me, I guarantee will help make this world a better place.
Thanks.
