You will first need to locate the professional openings section for the source you are using. Check the table of contents to see whether there is a special section for ads.
They may appear under the heading of classified ads, professional openings, help-wanted ads, career opportunities, career marketplace, or other such name. Some periodicals do not have special sections for their job advertisements; they may place their ads in the beginning or end pages of the issue. Display ads are often found scattered throughout the publication.
Types of Job Advertisements
Job opportunity advertisements generally appear in one of two formats:
- The classified ad is a small advertisement, generally containing only a few abbreviated sentences describing the job and telling how to make contact. The ad will have the same appearance as the ads surrounding it--the same format, same type face, etc. Because the placer of the ad is charged for the number of letters or words appearing in the ad, classified ads frequently contain many abbreviations to save space and money.
- The display ad is usually large (between one-quarter column and a full page in size) and often has a distinctive border around it and a different typeface to set it apart from other ads. It may contain the placing institution's logo. These ads may also include some description of the facility or in situation in addition to the job description.
Some of the elements you will see in a typical job ad include:
- Position responsibilities. Read this portion of the advertisement carefully so there are no surprises at the interview. Also be sure you are willing to meet the responsibilities spelled out in the job description; if you are not serious about meeting the job responsibilities or confident about your ability to meet them, go on to the next ad.
- Position requirements. Don't be discouraged if you don't meet all requirements listed in a career opening advertisement--if you meet the majority of them, you can still be in the running for the position. Note, however, whether the elements listed are required, desired, or preferred--the differences may increase your chances of being considered for the position.
- Contact instructions. These describe how you should respond to the advertisement--what documents you need to send to the employer, whether phone calls will be accepted by the employer, and when these materials need to reach the employer. Following the employer's instructions to the letter increases your chances of being contacted for the position.
- Contact person or department. This is the person or department to whom you should direct your questions or send your resume. Be sure to address your application to the contact name as you see it in the ad, spelling the name exactly as it appears in print.
- (Verify the contact's name in a directory if you have any doubts about the spelling or address.) Your cover letter will have less impact if it misspells the contact's name or department (worse yet, it may not even reach the correct person).
- Tracking code. Some ads contain a code for each position advertised. Include this code in your response if it appears in the ad. Some institutions will run ads for several openings simultaneously, and this code will help ensure that you are considered for the job for which you are responding and that your reply does not get set aside because the employer doesn't know which position you're applying for. The code may also indicate to the employer in which periodical you saw the ad.
- Blind ad/blind box. This is an ad which asks you to respond to a box number in care of the periodical, so you don't see the employer's name or address. Employers sometimes use these ads to eliminate "nuisance" applications (applicants who are not seriously interested in considering the position), or to prevent competitors from inferring that a new program or product is being set up. You may only learn the employer's identity if you are contacted for the position. Don't ask the publisher of the newspaper or periodical for more information about the employer--publishers are bound by contract with the advertiser not to reveal this information.
- EOE/AA: M/F/D/V: These letters indicate an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer who will equally consider male and female, disabled and veteran applicants. The appearance of this abbreviation or a variation of it in a career opportunity advertisement affirms the employer's adherence to nondiscriminatory hiring practices.
