An effective job advertisement will leave a strong first impression of your organisation and widen your pool of applicants.
Veteran-inclusive job advertising principles
The tips below can help you make your job advertisements veteran inclusive.
Use plain language
Ensure your advertisement is easy to read by using plain, concise language. It is also important to avoid jargon and acronyms that may be unfamiliar to those outside your industry.
Adopt a capability-based approach
A capability-based approach prioritises a candidate’s ability and potential. Focus on skills and attributes, rather than strict qualifications or experience. This approach can help you to attract a broader range of talent. Consider whether required technical training can be provided after employment.
Creating a veteran-inclusive job advertisement
There are several ways you can show your organisation’s commitment to veteran employment in your job advertisements. To write a veteran-inclusive job advertisement, incorporate the following elements.
Embed ADF capabilities
Consider which ADF capabilities would translate well into the requirements of the role.
For example:
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Outline veteran-related leave entitlements
Include specific leave entitlements relating to:
- reserve service
- health and wellbeing
- commemoration
Describe work flexibility
Providing opportunities for flexible work arrangements supports veterans who are balancing family, health and ADF commitments.
List any flexible working arrangements offered by your organisation, such as:
- remote or hybrid working
- flexible hours
Encourage veterans to apply
Clearly state that you value the experience and skills veterans bring to a civilian workplace.
For example, state that ‘veterans are encouraged to apply’ or ‘Australian Defence Force (ADF) experience is desirable’.
Invite veterans to indicate that they have served in the ADF
If veterans choose to indicate that they have served, you can offer targeted support during the recruitment process.
For example, you could ask, ‘Do you have prior ADF experience? We highly value ADF experience and skills, whether as a permanent member or a reservist’.
Provide information to support veterans in the application process
Include information and resources to support veteran applicants.
This might include:
- a guide to the application process
- a link to the Veteran Employment Toolkit
- relevant skills translation or rank-to-grade guides, such as the Core Skills Identifier Tool
- links to external veteran employment support services.
See the practical guide below for an example of a veteran-inclusive job advertisement.
How to write a veteran-inclusive job advertisement (PDF 243.48 KB)
Provide a detailed position description
A position description provides detailed and practical information about the role. This will assist applicants to understand their suitability for the role.
Include details such as:
- key tasks and responsibilities
- day-to-day experience of the role
- performance management arrangements
To develop capability-based selection criteria for the job description you can:
- consult with staff and stakeholders on the capabilities required or desired in the role
- identify key capabilities
- develop selection criteria to match these capabilities.
Refer to this guide for additional information on how to write a capability-based position description.
How to write a capability-based position description (PDF 114.42 KB)
These resources provide general guidance about how to make your recruitment processes more inclusive.The VEP Benefits of Hiring a Veteran factsheet outlines ADF values and skills.
- The VEP veteran inclusive job advertising factsheet provides an overview of summary of this topic.
- The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations provides an Inclusive Recruitment Toolkit which offers information on inclusive recruitment strategies.
- This resource on interviewing and recruiting employees provides general information about creating a position advertisement and description.
- The Australian Human Rights Commission provides a step-by-step guide to preventing discrimination in recruitment.
- The New South Wales Public Service Commission has designed a Capability Framework that describes the capabilities and behaviours required from their employees.
Related Veteran Employment Commitment activities:
Provide practical arrangements to support veteran employees to balance work, family and any continuing military commitments
List ‘Veterans are encouraged to apply’ or ‘Defence experience desirable’ in relevant job advertisements
Invite applicants to voluntarily disclose prior military service
Use capability-based, veteran-inclusive job selection requirements