Preparing an Advertisement

Recruiting applicants for vacant faculty and staff positions is best when it is an active process. When ads are placed in various publications a greater number of individuals apply for the position. Accordingly, a broader search will result in a greater pool of diverse applicants.

Here at UNLV, there are two (2) similar documents that should be completed by the department to ensure that applicants understand our position vacancy. The first is a Position Vacancy Announcement (PVA). It should state in detail the major responsibilities and education/experience requirements listed on the Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ). The PVA (a link is located below) will be the basis for the job information that will be linked to the UNLV webpage. The existence of this detailed announcement permits applicants to view all necessary information about an opening. Additionally, it permits other advertisements to be created in a more cost-effective manner by linking or referencing the webpage (see next paragraph) within these complimentary advertisements. For specific details on how to create a PVA, please refer to the Faculty and Professional Staff Search Guidelines, paragraph 15.

The second document used is the external advertisement to be placed into the Las Vegas Review Journal or other appropriate publication. The advertisement should be an accurate representation of the position, written so that applicants have an understanding of the position and feel invited to apply. The advertisement should be in compliance with Equal Employment regulations and must be approved by Human Resources. Also, all print ads will refer candidates to the on-line PVA and must include a phone number to call (in addition to a web link) ensuring our recruitment support is available to individuals who may not have access to e-mail or the internet. Remember, the more detailed the advertisement the less calls, clarifications, etc. that will be asked of a Search Committee Chair or departmental search contact. In essence, greater detail within an ad will result in less complications and more qualified applicants.

Placing an Ad

UNLV has contracted with Graystone Group Advertising for assistance with creating and publishing more attractive, consistent, and cost effective employment advertising. Graystone Group has specialized in recruitment advertising since 1987. The focus of their service is to provide design, media consultation and creative services for the higher education labor market. Graystone works with over 400 colleges, universities, and medical centers throughout the U.S. and has an in-depth understanding of the recruitment needs of academia.

Departments should submit draft vacancy announcements and print ads directly to Graystone for consultation and placement, after review by Search Reviewers. Graystone will assist departments with ad placement and post faculty & professional vacancy announcements on HigherEdJobs.com.

Here are the steps for getting your position vacancy announcement posted to HigherEdJobs.com and your print advertisements published through Graystone:

Step 1: Recruitment: Submit draft vacancy announcement and ad copy to Graystone at ads@graystoneadv.com -- together with a list of publications where you want the ad to appear. The account number for payment should also be submitted with the ad to Graystone.

Step 2: Confirmation: The Graystone design team will confirm receipt of the ad within 30 minutes.

Step 3: Print Layouts & Internet Quotes: Graystone will submit the exact layout for all display ads, along with cost and deadline for each media to the department. Typical turn around time is expected to be two work days, with ad placement on the 3rd work day. Graystone may make other placement recommendations, which are within the discretion of the department.

Step 4: Ad Approval: The Department retains final approval for ad content and placement. HR will receive an info copy of final ad.

Step 5: Ad Placement: Graystone will place all approved ads within one work day after approval and manage all details with the media.

Step 6: Ad Payment: Graystone will invoice Human Resources for all ads, which in turn will direct charge the department's account, using the account number provided with the draft ad (just as we have in the past).

Account Manager: Requests regarding consultation on media selection, working with the internet, budget management or overall Graystone services should be directed to Doug Geiling at dgeiling@graystoneadv.com. As always, HR staff are available to assist with any recruitment-related questions. Feel free to contact Jen Feldmann, Employment Manager, at 895-3886 or jen.feldmann@unlv.edu.

Prepare a Vacancy Announcement: [MS Word]

Five Sample Print Advertisements