Different ad strokes for different folks

What are some of the factors you need to consider when designing a recruitment ad?

Beresford Blake
The message is clear and direct. The layout is good and it is strengthened by having the image in the advertisement. This image has a strong pulling factor to showcase what the candidate can expect and it also indirectly brings out the company's profile. For ads, the use of fonts is important. I usually recommend not using a six-point font size or less. It is not advisable especially when text is reserved or placed onto a background. The openings are clearly listed so I assume the job seekers would know what to expect in terms of their scopes and responsibilities. I wouldn’t mind signing up!


Singapore Press Holdings
Having a magnifying glass on the ad may seem interesting at first glance. It is a simple and straight forward message but it lacks excitement in looks and thus one less 'groundbreaking' reason to join. The layout can be less cluttered as there are too many graphic, bold lines on the left and lines across the job postings. The use of fonts is fine but anything more than three different fonts are also not advisable. But having details such as the closing date, website, send or fax number is good because it gives a sense of urgency for the candidates and creates more ways for them to response. On a scale of one to ten, this ad would be a five.


HCC Group
It can be arresting to have the first letter of the headline in non-capital letters. This is an interesting ad using ‘copyrighters’ instead of copywriters as a word play or pun and without a full-stop at the end. This definitely highlights their urgent need for a proper copywriter. For an agency or a design house, it would be fine for them to show their creativity and portray their business accordingly. Being in the creative line for a while, I would expect the team to push it further.

JONO
Creative director
FOOTEcommunication