Merge pull request #50 from rtfd/davidfischer/hiring-blog

First blog on ads for hiring

Author: davidfischer

hiring-developers-with-readthedocs.rst

@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+.. post:: October 30, 2018
+   :tags: advertising, sustainability, hiring
+   :author: David
+   :location: SAN
+
+
+Tips to Hire Developers with Read the Docs
+==========================================
+
+Read the Docs is probably not the first place you think of if you are recruiting.
+However, over **7 million unique developers use Read the Docs each month** from all over the world.
+We didn't set out to build a better job board,
+but after a number of advertisers used our `ethical ads`_ for recruiting,
+we discovered that Read the Docs was a great place to find developer talent.
+
+.. _ethical ads: https://docs.readthedocs.io/en/latest/advertising/ethical-advertising.html
+
+
+Hiring with Read the Docs works 
+-------------------------------
+
+Developers are not always actively job seeking
+by browsing job boards or company careers pages.
+However, they are on Read the Docs reading about the libraries and frameworks they use.
+Even when people aren't actively looking for a new job,
+many are open to exploring new opportunities.
+
+On Read the Docs, we found that developers engage with hiring ads
+at a higher rate than any other kind of advertising.
+With hiring ads, developers get ads that are relevant and interesting
+and companies reach the folks actively using the tech they are recruiting for.
+
+.. figure:: img/2018-ctr-adtype.png
+   :alt: Click-through rate by ad type Q3 2018
+   :width: 100%
+
+
+Be specific and find the right developers
+-----------------------------------------
+
+If you are looking for Python developers,
+you can configure your hiring ad to only show on Python related documentation.
+You can further refine your audience to Read the Docs visitors in specific regions.
+Whether you are looking for a remote Python data scientist or a blockchain developer in Switzerland,
+be as specific as possible.
+This ensures you don't get unqualified candidates
+as well as making sure you catch the eyes of the people you are interested in.
+
+
+Set the right expectations
+--------------------------
+
+In any type of advertising, setting appropriate expectations can make the difference
+between a lackluster and successful campaign. In hiring, it is even more critical.
+This means making sure that your hiring ad for a front-end JavaScript developer
+links directly to your JavaScript developer job listing page where people can click "apply".
+Don't link to a listing of all of your open positions unless your hiring ad sets that expectation.
+Nothing is worse for the developer than clicking on a hiring ad
+and not knowing what to do next.
+
+Likewise, some things can set the wrong kind of expectation.
+Most developers have seen enough hiring posts for "rockstars" and "ninjas" to know what to expect.
+Be honest and upfront and you will attract the right folks.
+
+
+Stand out
+---------
+
+Developers get contacted all the time by recruiters
+and it can be difficult to show prospective employees why they should check out your company.
+People look for all sorts of different things when seeking a new job
+from working with a high-caliber team to working for a company whose goals they agree with.
+You should highlight your best selling points right on your hiring ad as early as possible.
+If your company affords a fantastic work/life balance, mention that.
+A company in a great location, with a beautiful office, and top of the line hardware
+should definitely feature that.
+Focusing on your best attributes shows you care about your developers
+and helps you appeal to people who care about your products and mission.
+
+
+**If your company is recruiting** `get in touch`_ **and let us help.**
+
+.. _get in touch: mailto:[email protected]