Using ‘reverse one-page profiles’ when advertising positions
The headings of a one-page profile can be used to develop a job advertisement. Using this technique incorporates a person-centred approach in attracting the right person for the job.
The key headings in a one-page profile are used but they are reversed - replacing the word me with you. This way you can describe the type of person you are looking for, their strengths and gifts and the key aspects that are important to the right person for the job.
You can also use the headings to capture details about supports and opportunities provided by your organisation.
Putting the description/advertisement together
‘Could this be you?’ - start with a brief introduction to the organisation, plus any additional information that will sit outside of the one-page profile.
Write the one-page profile from the ‘you’ perspective.
What do others like and admire about you?
- Insert the strengths/positive reputation that you and the individual are looking for in the right candidate for the job.
What’s important to you about your work?
- Include aspects that would matter to the right job holder.
- Insert skills and/or strengths that you are looking for and that are also important to the person in the job role.
- Describe the key elements of the job that the right person would be passionate about. For example, if you are recruiting for a manager with a diverse staff team you may include ‘supporting the development and growth of others’ as something that needs to be important to any applicant.
- Think about the functional requirements detailed in the Workforce Capability Framework that relate to the job family and level you are recruiting for. What would be important to the right candidate for the job?
- If you are recruiting directly for a person with disability, detail the specific skills and interests that the individual requires from their staff.
How you will be supported?
- Include information about the team the new employee will be working with.
- Describe their potential manager’s style and approach.
- Explain how they would be supported to carry out their job.
- Include any training, development and support offered by the organisation.
Tips
Use the information gathered when developing or updating the position description and think about how this translates to the person you are looking for.
Take key points from the relevant job family, core and functional requirements from the Workforce Capability Framework.
When recruiting for individuals, use information from their support plans.
The recruitment ‘matching staff tool’ can assist in providing information about the skills and personality characteristics required.
As with any other one-page profile you may not be able to capture everything that you are looking for. In this case, think about the most critical and most important elements.
Include your logo and any relevant contact details either at the bottom of the profile or in the introductory section.
Template
Download the 'one-page profile' template using the button above.
Example
Disability Support Worker:
Our organisation has a part-time position available working with a team of staff to support a creative, energetic young man who enjoys living within his own home and nurturing his garden.
We provide support to a number of individuals and the right person would have the potential to also pick up extra shifts with other people supported by our service.
Experience and relevant qualifications are desired but we also encourage other applicants who feel they meet the requirements to apply provided you are willing to engage in ongoing learning once you commence employment. If you think the following one-page profile relates to you please email (address) for more information.
Is this you?
What do others like and admire about you?
Are you:
- creative
- a talented gardener
- calm under pressure
- flexible
- a great communicator
What’s important to you about your work?
Do you enjoy:
- spending time outside gardening - especially growing vegetables
- having variety in your day and week
- working in collaboration with a mixture of people – with a diverse team from a range of backgrounds and an individual’s circle of support
- sharing your own learning with others
- having clarity about your role and your responsibilities while having the opportunity to use your creativity and initiative
- being stretched within your job and constantly learning new things about the person you work with and how to best support them?
How we will support you?
We offer:
- a comprehensive induction into the disability sector and our organisation, including our vision and values and you role within it
- on-the-job coaching and support in how best work with a young man with autism
- the opportunity for ongoing learning and development to assist you in your professional development
- team meetings with you colleagues every month and regular informal opportunities to connect
- formal supervision and support every 8 weeks with your team leader. This is an opportunity to share what is working and not working in your job, to discuss any achievements and challenges and to identify opportunities for change and continuous improvement in how our services are delivered.
Additional resources:
- The Workforce Capability Framework
- The disability career planner and capability framework implementation guide
- Technique, tips and template – using one-page profiles in recruitment (for employers)
- Technique, tips and template – using one-page profiles in recruitment (for employees)
- Technique, tips, tool and template – using the ‘matching staff tool’ in recruitment
Definitions:
The term individual(s) refers to an individual with a disability and their family and/or circle of support.
The terms staff/employee(s) refer to paid or unpaid members of the workforce regardless of their employment relationship with their employer i.e. permanent, casual, full-time, volunteer, etc.
Intellectual property rights are jointly owned by National Disability Services Ltd, PeopleAdvantage Pty Ltd and Helen Sanderson Associates respectively. ©This publication is copyright. All rights reserved.
