How to post a great local job ad

Thanks for choosing Gippslander to hire locally. This guide shows you exactly how to write a job ad that stands out to Gippsland jobseekers and gets quality applications—fast.

Quick checklist (tick these off before you publish)

  • Clear, searchable job title (no fluff)
  • Specific location in full format — e.g. Morwell, Victoria, Australia (not just “Gippsland”)
  • Pay info or a real range (builds trust and clicks)
  • Hours and employment type (full-time, part-time, casual, contract, volunteer)
  • 4–6 must-have skills or requirements (short bullets)
  • What the work is actually like (day-to-day)
  • Why work with you (culture, team, local connection)
  • One simple way to apply (CTA)
  • Your business name (required) and a contact method

1) Start with a clear, searchable title

Say exactly what the role is. Avoid internal jargon and buzzwords.

Good: Barista – Part-Time – Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia

Not great: Café Superstar Wanted!

Tip: Add shift pattern or seniority if it helps: “Registered Nurse (Night Shift) – Sale, Victoria, Australia”.

2) Name the exact location (use full format)

Always use Town, Victoria, Australia. This helps Google correctly geocode your ad and match “jobs near me” searches, boosting local relevance and click-through.

Accepted examples:

  • Morwell, Victoria, Australia
  • Traralgon, Victoria, Australia
  • Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia
  • Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia

Not accepted:

  • “Gippsland”, “East Gippsland”, or just “Victoria”
  • “Remote” (unless your business is Gippsland-based—see policy)

Pro tip: Reinforce the full location in the title and the first line of your description for best SEO.

3) Be upfront about pay

Including a rate or range increases applications and saves everyone time.

Examples:

  • $28–$32 per hour + penalties
  • $70k–$82k + super, depending on experience
  • Award rates apply (Hospitality Award Level 3)

4) Make the day-to-day clear

In 4–6 bullets, describe what the person will actually do.

  • Serve customers and make espresso coffee
  • Prep simple food and keep the coffee station clean
  • Weekend availability (1 day) preferred

5) List the must-haves (keep it short)

Focus on what’s essential to start the job safely and well.

  • 1+ year café experience (or fast learner with great customer skills)
  • Current food handler certificate (or willingness to obtain)
  • Reliable transport to Wonthaggi, Victoria, Australia

Nice-to-haves can be listed separately, but don’t overload the ad.

6) Sell the “why” (your local edge)

People choose local for lifestyle. Share what’s good about working with you.

  • Family-run business, supportive team
  • Stable roster, no late nights
  • Training provided and progression opportunities
  • Close to the beach / handy to public transport / parking available

7) State the employment type and hours

Pick one so applicants know what to expect:

  • Full-Time
  • Part-Time
  • Casual
  • Contract
  • Volunteer

Add typical hours or shifts if known.

8) Make applying simple

End with one clear action. Don’t make candidates jump through hoops.

Examples:

  • Apply on Gippslander (preferred)
  • Or link to your ATS/website form

If you include an email, say what to send (CV, short cover note, certificates).

9) Add trust signals

  • Real business name (required)
  • Optional: short line about who you are, a logo, or a link to your website

10) Keep it inclusive and compliant

Add a short equal opportunity line if relevant, and mention checks only if they truly apply (e.g., WWCC, Police Check).

What we publish (and what we don’t)

We’re a regional board for Gippsland. We accept:

  • Jobs based in a specific Gippsland town using the full format (e.g., “Morwell, Victoria, Australia”)
  • Remote/work-from-home roles where the employer is Gippsland-based
  • One job per listing (create separate ads for different roles)

We don’t accept:

  • Listings without a specific town in full format
  • Work-from-home jobs from businesses not based in Gippsland
  • Vague/misleading or “commission-only/MLM/referral-only” schemes
  • Ads without a clear job title or business name
  • Service promos (we list employment, not ads for services)

Application methods we support:

  • Apply through Gippslander — receive email notifications when someone applies
  • External link — redirect applicants to your own form, website, or ATS

Copy-and-paste template

We have created a simple copy-and-paste job template to help you get started:

Formatting tips that boost results

  • Keep paragraphs short; use bullets for duties/requirements
  • Avoid ALL CAPS and buzzwords
  • Put the most important info near the top (title, full location, pay, hours)
  • Use one clear call-to-action

Need help?

If you’re unsure whether your role fits or you want quick feedback on your ad, reach out—we’re local and happy to help you tighten it up before it goes live.