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Crafting an Effective Help Wanted Ad for Blue Collar/Skilled Trades Positions: A Guide for Employers

In today's competitive job market, finding blue-collar workers requires more than just posting a basic job listing. To stand out and attract top talent, employers must craft compelling and informative help wanted ads that effectively communicate the trade job requirements, company culture, and opportunities for growth. In this blog post, we'll explore the key components of a successful help wanted ad for blue-collar and skilled trades workers, along with tips for optimizing your blue collar recruitment efforts.

Utilize Online Job Platforms Like Brigade Jobs

When it comes to reaching the right candidates for blue-collar and skilled trade jobs, online platforms like Brigade Jobs offer distinct advantages. As an exclusive community tailored specifically for the blue-collar trades, Brigade Jobs provides employers with access to a targeted audience of qualified candidates who possess the skills and expertise needed for the job. By adding your open positions to the trade careers list on Brigade Jobs, you can connect with candidates who are actively seeking opportunities in the blue-collar trades, increasing the likelihood of finding the perfect fit for your team. No more searching for "day labor near me" as Brigade offers a shift/temp work hiring section. Additionally, Brigade Jobs offers features such as advanced search filters and mobile accessibility, making it easy for employers to manage their recruitment efforts effectively. With its focus on the blue-collar trades community, Brigade Jobs provides a valuable resource for employers looking to streamline their hiring process and find the right talent for their open positions.

By using the following tips and practices as a guide, employers can create compelling help wanted ads that attract qualified blue-collar and skilled trade workers. Investing time and effort into crafting informative and engaging job listings can pay off in the form of a strong applicant pool and successful recruitment outcomes.

A diagram to attract blue collar workers.

Building a Foundation to Attract Highly Skilled Workers

Clear and Detailed Job Description:

Start by clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the position. Blue collar workers coming from other jobs/shops are taught specific ways of doing things that may be different than how things are done in your company. Provide a detailed description of the job duties, including any specific skills or certifications required. Be transparent about work hours, physical requirements, and potential hazards associated with the job. Avoid using vague language or industry jargon that may confuse or deter potential candidates. Try to keep it short and to the point with only essential detail. Ginger Schmidt, our founder and CEO, who has worked many different sectors in the trades, quotes "Often times, when searching for blue collar/trades jobs, I found job postings to be too intimidating. Even when I knew I was over qualified for the position, I refrained from applying for the job. Job posts like that made me feel like I would be scrutinized too harshly and micro managed. I also avoided applying for jobs that went into too much detail about what type of personality and character they required candidates to have. It would be a waste of time to include that in the job description anyway, since people are rarely correct when determining their own character strengths and weaknesses, and job descriptions like that could have highly skilled workers looking elsewhere to avoid drama. It's best to leave character judgements for in person interviews."

Highlight Benefits and Perks

In addition to outlining the job requirements, highlight the benefits and perks of working for your company. Whether it's competitive wages, opportunities for advancement, comprehensive benefits packages, or a positive work environment, emphasizing the advantages of joining your team can help attract top talent. There are an overwhelming number of trades companies or all kinds in the SF/Bay Area, all competing for highly skilled workers, so this could set you apart from the competition. Consider including testimonials from current employees or showcasing company awards and recognition to further enhance your appeal.

Showcase Company Culture and Values

Use the help wanted ad as an opportunity to showcase your company's culture, values, and mission. Describe what sets your company apart from competitors and why candidates should be excited about the opportunity to work for you. Highlight any employee development programs, team-building activities, or community involvement initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to supporting and investing in your workforce.

Include Clear Application Instructions:

Make it easy for candidates to apply by providing clear instructions on how to submit their application. Specify the preferred method of application (e.g., online application, email, in-person), along with any required documents or materials (e.g., resume, portfolio, certifications). Include contact information for inquiries and ensure that someone is available to respond promptly to candidate questions or concerns.

Use Engaging and Inclusive Language

Craft your help wanted ad with engaging and inclusive language that appeals to a diverse range of candidates. Using gender neutral language and encouraging trades for women shows inclusivity and diversity within the company.

Proofread and Edit Carefully

Before posting your help wanted ad, proofread and edit it carefully to ensure accuracy, clarity, and professionalism. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and review the content to ensure that it effectively conveys the intended message. A well-written and error-free ad reflects positively on your company and helps to find the best blue collar workers.