Creating a Classified Ad for Seeking Employment

The classified job-wanted ad is yet a traditional way to obtain job leads. In this type of ad, you place a notice in the local newspaper, or local websites or forums stating that you desire a position. This method tends to be used by only a very small percentage of job seekers—fewer than 2 percent, yet its effectiveness can be fairly high. Job-wanted ads were the avenue by which 15 percent of the Job-Club job seekers obtained their position.

Sometimes you may not be able to use the job-wanted ad because of its cost. The charge for classified ads may be especially high in large cities because the newspapers or websites have such a large circulation. To find out, call up your local newspaper or targeted website and ask about the rates, or look for rates in the classified-ad section of the paper. Rates tend to be much lower in smaller towns or in suburbs. If the newspapers in your area have very high rates, consider placing an ad for only a day or two rather than a week.


If you can afford to place a classified ad, use it in addition to your other methods of obtaining job leads. It may cost money but it hardly costs any effort. All you need to do is write the ad, mail or phone it in, and send in a check. You have informed thousands of employers of your availability. The job-wanted classified ad is one of several methods you can use. It will help to decrease the time between looking for a job and getting one.

How to write a job-wanted classified ad

The Job-Club approach is different from the usual approach. Ordinarily, a job-wanted classified ad states the job seeker's job skills, experiences, and need for work. For example:

Machinist; 5 years' experience. Needs work badly.

or:

Welder, automotive and industrial, 3 years' experience.

The Job-Club method, however, stresses personal attributes in addition to job skills. Here are some actual examples used by Job-Club members:

Handyman, Area. I have a strong back, an eager mind, and a strong will and am ready to do your unpleasant tasks. Call ____________________

Sales Clerk, Area. Honest, experienced saleswoman, very competent to take charge of a position of responsibility in sales. Call _______________________

Clerk Receptionist, Area. If you're looking for a friendly and ambitious young woman to manage your office and keep it well-organized, I am wonderful at handling people and offices. Call ___________________

Bookkeeper and clerical: Cheerful, conscientious, dependable worker. Interested in keeping your accounts and business affairs in perfect order. Seven years' experience. Call __________________

Ambitious, talented, black, and friendly, with a large number of skills. Experience in tech engineering, city planning, and social work. Call _____________________

Equipment Operator, Truck Driver. S. Illinois. I am experienced, get along well with people, and I'm not afraid of work. Call _______________

Survey Assistant or related. S. Illinois. Hard-working with a good work record. Call _________________

Sales or Decorating. Varied experience in both fields. Family man and veteran with good references and interested in a company that wants a person they can depend on. Call ________________

Arts and Crafts. Inventive, friendly artist interested in teaching basic art or crafts to all ages. Call ________________

Auto Mechanics or related. I work well with people as well as machinery. I am dependable and learn new things quickly. Call ____________________

If, at the start of your job search, you are unwilling to place a classified ad because of the expense, reconsider if several weeks go by without much progress. The classified job-wanted ad also offers some special advantage if you are considering relocating to another area: You can place the ad in a newspaper in the desired area without having to actually go there. If your ad does not produce results within a week, revise it, stressing other skills or other types of job in which you have an interest.