You’ve spent months growing your food truck from your initial concept into a thriving mobile food business. Now that consumer demand for your menu has started outpacing your ability to run it as a one person show, it’s time to place your first help wanted ad.

While it may be tempting to copy and paste a generic job description, don’t do it! You need to approach your candidate search strategically. This will help you save time and avoid hassle. Thus, your results will provide more qualified candidates and better employees for your food truck business.

Today we’ll share some helpful tips for writing a help wanted ad that will to get better results.

Writing Great Food Truck Help Wanted Ads

Job Description Should Be:

• Specific: Many food truck job ads I’ve seen, don’t disclose the truck’s name, salary range or even the mobile food industry. Don’t post help wanted ads without the information candidates need to make an educated decision. Also, try to avoid industry jargon and be clear about what this job’s main duties will be. Describe specific skills, experience, and certifications they’ll need to be considered for the job.
• Honest: Will this job require regular evening and weekend hours? Include these details, even if it might result in fewer applicants.
• Realistic: While every food truck wants the best candidates in the market, consider what you’re offering in return. If your position is part-time, low-pay, offers few benefits, your inbox isn’t likely to be filled with many qualified candidates.

RELATED: Sample Food Truck Manager Job Description

Don’t Forget These Things When Posting Help Wanted Ad

• Word of mouth marketing is a great way to fill open positions. Even thought most help wanted ads are posted electronically these days, word of mouth marketing is still one of the best ways to get top talent. Ask other food service professionals in your networks to share your ad and refer great candidates. Also link to the post in your next email newsletter or blog post.
• Social media is a free place to post jobs. Many food trucks have found that posting their jobs to social media is a great way to spread the word in their market.
• The market has changed. While Newspapers, Craigslist and Monster were once among the hottest job boards, that has changed for the food truck industry. Many food truck owners have found qualified employees on LinkedIn and Indeed. You should also research local job boards and industry specific job boards.

The Bottom Line

How can you expect to hire rock stars when your first help wanted ad is a boilerplate list of a gazillion requirements that “the successful candidate” will possess? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to a job listing. If you want to attract the right employees, then you have to view job posts as a marketing tool rather than merely a help wanted ad.

Do you have any additional tips for writing great help wanted ads? Share your ideas on social media. Facebook | Twitter