Better Business, Better Life – Issue 149

“If you worked for us, THIS is what you would have done in the last month:

• Loaded the dishwasher a few times to keep the kitchen ready for everyone else.
• Stayed late a couple of nights to wrap up a time-sensitive project & ensure we met our deadlines.
• Participated in a brainstorming session that led to an innovative new approach for handling client audits.
• Took part in a team-building lunch where we celebrated recent successes & strengthened our connections.
• Helped onboard a new client by clearly outlining their reporting options & answering all their initial questions.
• Prepared financial statements & performed detailed audits for a range of clients.
• Developed tax strategies & assisted clients in navigating complex regulatory requirements.
• Collaborated on complex financial projections to meet tight deadlines.
• Enjoyed brainstorming sessions with the team, fostering creative solutions.
• Helped onboard a new client by explaining accounting procedures & expectations.
• Sharpened your understanding of the latest tax laws & celebrated the end of the week with your colleagues!”

This kind of detail helps the right candidates see themselves in the role, while those who wouldn’t fit in might self-select out.

Set Clear Criteria for Applicants

Note on core values: It’s tempting to list your exact core values in the job advert, but this can give candidates a chance to prepare their responses and simply tell you what they think you want to hear. Instead, describe the behaviours, attitudes, and mindset that align with your company’s culture, so you attract candidates who genuinely share your values without needing them spelled out.

Lay out what you’re looking for as well as what you aren’t. For example:

Please DO APPLY if:

• You value generosity & are willing to actively participate in the community.
• You understand the importance of balance, recognising that no success at work is worth failure at home.
• You thrive in a collaborative environment where teamwork is key.
• You build trust through transparency & open communication.
• You take initiative, feeling motivated by empowerment & ownership of your work.

Please DO NOT apply if:

• You’re only interested in picking up a paycheck.
• You have less than 2 years’ experience as an Accountant.
• You can’t get yourself to Auckland City.
• You want to be just another employee & not a TEAM member.

This approach makes it clear who you want to attract & who you don’t. It helps candidates know exactly where they stand, saving everyone time.

Showcase Why Your Company is the Place to Be

Candidates need to know what’s in it for them. Highlight your unique advantages:

“Why YOU would want to work for us:

• We are committed to building long-term trust & relationships with our clients.
• We excel in providing thoughtful, accurate advice that truly makes a difference.
• We collaborate as one firm, collectively working toward common goals.
• We value a healthy balance between work & home life because personal success matters.
• We foster an environment where team members are empowered to take initiative & grow professionally.
• We believe in giving back to our community through active participation & support.
• You would have the opportunity to manage & inspire a team of dedicated professionals.”

By focusing on culture & opportunities, you draw in those who align with your company’s vision & values.

Use Plain Language & a Friendly Tone

A job advert isn’t a legal contract. It’s your chance to connect with potential employees in a way that feels human & approachable. Avoid jargon, excessive formality, or corporate buzzwords. Instead, write as if you’re speaking directly to a great potential hire. A warm, clear, & friendly tone can make all the difference in attracting the right talent.

Conclusion: Crafting Adverts That Work for You

A great job advert does more than just fill a vacancy, it lays the foundation for a stronger, more cohesive team. By writing clearly, highlighting who you want (and don’t want), & using a friendly, direct tone, you’ll attract the kind of talent that helps your business thrive.

If you’re ready to create job adverts that attract the right talent and keep the wrong candidates at bay, start today by aligning your ads with your company’s values and goals.

NEXT STEPS: Hire Slow, Fire Fast

It’s often said that you should hire slow & fire fast. In practice, this means taking the time to carefully evaluate candidates, ensuring that they align with your company’s core values & are truly a great fit for the team.

It’s about quality over speed, giving you the best chance to find someone who will thrive in the role. If it becomes clear that someone isn’t working out, act decisively.

This approach protects your team’s morale & ensures you maintain a productive, positive work environment… But this isn’t about the clock. It’s about following a structured process.

Hiring slowly means being deliberate: taking the time to review candidates against your company’s needs, ensuring they align with your culture, & making a well-informed decision. On the other hand, if someone turns out to be a poor fit, acting quickly can save your team’s morale & maintain productivity.

Remember, structured doesn’t mean endless. It means thoughtful, intentional & thorough.

Don’t lose a Rockstar by taking too long, but make sure you don’t just go on gut feel – follow the process!

This was taken from a half-day presentation that I gave on Building an Intentional Culture. If you’d like to attend this workshop, then please hit reply & let me know.

Thanks to Richard Conway of Pure SEO for the structure of the job advert.