Placing a Looking for Work Ad on Craigslist
By Melissa King
When you're looking for work, you might spend hours sifting through classified ads online or in your local newspaper. If browsing these ads isn't yielding results, take your job search to Craigslist. Craigslist offers a classifieds section where employers can post job listings for your area. In addition to applying to those listings, you can also post a "work wanted" ad on Craigslist to improve your chances of getting a job. This potentially allows thousands of employers on Craigslist to see your resume and offer you a job.
Step 1
Go to the Craigslist website (see link in Resources) and select your city or the location where you want to place your ad. Click "Post to Classifieds" in the top-left corner of the page.
Step 2
Click the button next to "Resume/job wanted." Enter an eye-catching headline for your ad in the Posting Title box. Make your headline specific to your skills or the type of job you want. Don't say something desperate such as "I'll do anything!" or "I need a job NOW." Also avoid general headlines like "Seeking work." Instead, for example, you might write something like "Experienced kindergarten teacher seeks position with public elementary school."
Step 3
Enter your email address in the Reply To box. Click "Show" if you want employers to see your real email address. If you choose this, ensure that you use a professional email address, such as JSmith@email.com. If your email address isn't sufficiently professional, click "Anonymize" to hide it from employers.
Step 4
Paste your resume in the Posting Description box. A good resume should provide employers with your college education, professional experience and qualifications. Do not mention your high school education in your resume. Keep your resume focused. For example, don't mention that you worked in a fast-food restaurant 20 years ago if you're looking for work as an accountant now.
Step 5
Provide an additional way for employers to contact you, such as your phone number, if desired. Use a cellphone number to protect your privacy.
Step 6
Check your listing for spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that words are properly capitalized and that you've used correct punctuation.
Step 7
Click "Continue." Review your listing and click "Continue" again. Craigslist sends you a confirmation email. Click the link in the email to confirm that you want to post the ad on Craigslist. The email may go to your inbox's spam folder, so check there if you don't see it within a few minutes.
References
Tips
- Have one or two other people look at your resume before you post it. This may help you catch errors you missed.
Warnings
- Never beg for a job in your listing. Begging looks like desperation, which is a turn-off to many employers. Also avoid posting personal details, such as your age or race, which can lead to some employers unfairly disqualifying you.
Writer Bio
Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.