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Write a job ad

Job ad writer

Fill in the form and your ad builds itself alongside. The checks flag wording that can put people off or break the law, and explain why.

Saved only on this device. Your ad is kept in this browser's local storage. It is never sent to us or anyone else unless you choose to send an enquiry. On a shared computer, clear it when you finish.

The writer needs JavaScript to build and check your ad. Without it you can still read the tips below and use the templates.

1

The job

The basics people look for first.

Where the work is done
2

Pay

Job ads cannot advertise pay below an employee's minimum entitlements. Check the minimum with the Pay and Conditions Tool (opens another site) and Find my award (opens another site).

Award or agreement
3

The work and the person

One item per line. Describe the work, not the person.

4

How to apply

Inclusion statement

Your ad appears here as you fill in the form.

Checks

No issues found yet

    The checker looks for words and patterns only. It cannot understand context, so some flags will be fine in your ad, and it will miss things. A clear result does not mean an ad is lawful.

    Turn these must-haves into interview questions

    Four things that make an ad work

    • Put the pay in the ad. People skip ads without it, and it saves you interviews with people the pay will not suit.
    • Keep must-haves to what the job truly needs on day one. A long list puts off capable people, especially people who only apply when they tick every box.
    • Describe the work, not the person. "Lift boxes up to 15 kg" is fair; "young and fit" is not.
    • Say how to apply and by when, and reply to everyone who applies.

    The rules, from the source

    Pay. The Fair Work Ombudsman says job ads cannot include pay rates that breach the Fair Work Act or an award or enterprise agreement. The rate must be at least the minimum in the applicable award or agreement, or the National Minimum Wage order if neither applies. Job ads, Fair Work (opens another site)

    Discrimination. Under the Fair Work Act, an employer cannot take adverse action against a prospective employee, including not hiring them, because of protected attributes such as age, sex, race, disability, family or carer's responsibilities, pregnancy or religion. Federal, state and territory anti-discrimination laws also apply. Protection from discrimination, Fair Work (opens another site) Quick guide to discrimination laws, AHRC (opens another site)

    Some requirements can be lawful, such as a genuine occupational requirement or a special measure. Get advice before you rely on one.

    General information only, not legal advice. Laws, awards and minimum rates change: check the official sources linked here and get advice for your situation. Fair Work also publishes a free job advertisement template (opens another site).