Job-ad Research template with examples

Job-ad Research Template
1. Get the facts
Collect and/or list what you can about the role and agency. Highlight what’s most relevant to the role, and what’s most interesting.
Some sources: “about us” section of the agency’s website, most recent position description, information
package and job advertisement.
Example:
“The Senior Project Officer Communications role is about working on sponsorship and corporate relations
projects.
It is in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Community Engagement and Events Division, Communications
and Corporate Strategy Branch
A key focus is getting and keeping financial support and major sponsors for some NSW events and programs
(eg the Australia Day celebrations, the ferry race etc).
It also entails managing sponsor events and functions, advising other departments on sponsorship issues and
briefing media, ministers etc. It needs a real sponsorship expert.
It involves running several projects at once, so the person has to be very organized and able to multitask”.
2. Talk to the experts
Based on your knowledge from step 1 above, brainstorm a list of questions to ask one or more experts, such as the convenor or hiring
manager, someone in the job now or the person leaving the role. The 5 Ws & H (who, what, why, when, where, how?) is a good brainstorming
framework. Also ask for their input into section 3 below.
Example of brainstorming WHO?
“Q-Which department? A: DPC
Q: Number in team? A: 50
Q: What are the people like? Friendly, smart, gung-ho etc? Culture? Values?
A: It is an events-type job, so ideal candidates are probably quite outgoing. They are proactive, willing to get
out and engage with community instead of sit in an office. They’s in events and communications, so will be
good project managers.
In sponsorship, so good client engagers, relationship builders, good at influence/persuasion. hey’d have an
engaging personalisyt.
Staff culture – mixed; can work within NSW govt protocols, yet still bring in new business
Values of the Branch and the ideal candidate– community, diversity, respect and treat sponsors well,
value hard work, cope with work peaks/flows which means deadlines and out-of-hours work.
Q:How many different sponsors would the job role deal with?
A: About 12, so there would be time to develop close relationships with sponsors.”
Do the same for: WHAT:,WHY:, WHEN:, WHERE:, HOW:

3. Brainstorm their motivators
Based on what you learnt above, what are ideal-candidates’ hot buttons for this job? Brainstorm the rational (head) and emotional (heart) ones for both the
job and for working for NSW Govt.
“Head” (rational) hot buttons
Examples:
More money
Flexible working hours
Paid study leave
Central location-easy commun=ting
Easy (or free) parking on site
Job-sharing opportunities
Better life/work balance
Varied work
Interstate travel
Career path
On-the-job mentoring or coaching
Rostered days off
“Heart” (emotional) hot buttons
Examples:
Flexible working hours so they can spend more
time with their children
The challenge of doing a difficult job well
Making a difference to society
Prestige/status of working in a particular
government agencuy
Work with an outstanding team of people
Do innovative, creative work
Extra-curricular activities eg social or sporting
activities with wiorkmates
4. Skim the cream
From all your notes above, what are the job’s biggest drawcards/attractions? Limit these to about six.
Example “The biggest drawcards are:
Enjoy the stimulation of engaging with diverse community and client levels, from major sponsors like
Defence to big business to individuals. Suit someone confident.
Challenge of winning big new business/sponsorships
Personal satisfaction of helping massive events like Australia Day succeed, that involve thousands of
people.
Small number of major clients to build relationships with
Like working for something meaningful – giving back to the community – a higher calling
Capitalise on your outgoing, confident personality – interact with and engage community”
5. Call the FBI
Take the six major drawcards you identified above and brainstorm the Features (or Facts), Benefits and Implications for each.
Each Feature can have several Benefits, and each Benefit can have several Implications. Choose the ones you think will most attract
candidates.
Features/facts
(What it is, does or has)
Benefits
(What it does for the reader)
Implications
(The impact it has on the reader)
1.Example: Plenty of training 1.grow your skills 1.fast-track your career
2. 2. 2.
3. 3. 3.
Calling the FBI: some “before and after” examples:
Before – just the facts
After adding benefits and implications
CBD location
Work for a central, executive agency
Improve park facilities and walking
trails
Close to trains,buses and some of Australia’s best shopping
Work for a central, executive agency and get the big picture of how
government works
Escape your cubicle- work outdoors improving park facilities and walking
trails