Now that you have decided on a recruitment strategy, you're ready to create specific materials to advertise and market your position.

Begin by developing an effective two-line position description to be posted on the Recruitment section of My AmeriCorps. You can get the process rolling by visiting the Resource Center's page on MyAmeriCorps Training and User Support Services

You can then "tweak" it for different uses. For example, a press release can be converted into a brochure, a Web listing, or a public service announcement. Also, if there's continuity in your materials, there's a better chance the message will stick.

Here are some general guidelines for creating recruitment materials:

• Be sure to include the AmeriCorps or VISTA logo in all outreach materials. Download the logos in several formats here. You can also print a copy of the AmeriCorps media kit which has great tips for extending your outreach.
• Keep it simple: Use basic language and avoid program jargon, acronyms, and more detail than is necessary.
• Make sure contact information is up-to-date.
• Include important deadlines.
• Don't assume everyone has access to a computer or computer skills: Advertise in traditional venues as well as electronic ones and allow for "snail mail" and phone communication.
• Recruit for diversity; for more information, see the Recruiting for Diversity section of this site.

Use these sample marketing tools and guidelines as a starting point for your program:

• Creating Your Own Web Presence is a tip sheet for creating a program Web site
• Tips for Creating Posters and Flyers includes guidelines for what to say and how to say it
• Create a Press Release is a sample press release on VISTA recruiting efforts
• Retiree Press Release is a sample document that specifically targets older members
• Member Candidate FAQs is a sample flyer to answer questions and give to prospective applicants at recruiting events
• Sample flyer for multiple service positions illustrates how to showcase a variety of service opportunities
• Corpsmember Flyer illustrates how you can incorporate photos
• This tri-fold Recruitment Brochure shows how you can pack a lot of information into one flyer

Go on to Helping Partner Sites Recruit

Explore inexpensive ways to get the word out

You don't have to be a skilled designer to create materials for recruitment purposes. This tip sheet, contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), has some helpful guidelines on what to say and how.

NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

Spend your time and (limited) resources efficiently

Community events like job fairs can be a great vehicle for recruiting members. But, how do you pick the ones that make the most of your limited resources?

Use these tips, contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), to evaluate which events have the best potential to serve your needs. NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

Maximizing paid and free advertising

What's the best way to spend advertising dollars or, better yet, get free publicity that will attract potential members? Find answers in this tip sheet, contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA).

NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

Check out the AmeriCorps website for more information on outreach and to learn how to create a media kit.

Using the Web to attract new members

There are lots of ways to reach potential members through the Internet. Use this tip sheet to discover 18 tried-and-true online advertising strategies.

This resource was contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA), which addresses critical environmental and educational needs. NWSA partners with 125 community agencies and has members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

Using the Internet for recruitment

NWSA addresses critical environmental and educational needs, partnering with 125 community agencies, with members serving in individual placements or on field teams.

This tip sheet for creating a program website was contributed by Northwest Service Academy (NWSA). Use it to decide which features and information will be most useful in attracting potential recruits.

A set of instructions to give to new recruits

My AmeriCorps is an online space where potential new members can apply to your program, as well as other programs around the country. The set of instructions offered here was contributed by Andrea Sieloff, program officer with the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service.

The below instructions can be placed on a website or copied into emails or a new document to share with potential applicants to your program. Note: If you are adapting this for your own use, you can write the name of your program into Step 6. (You can learn more about creating and managing your program's MyAmeriCorps listing through this Resource Center support page.)

For applicants unable to access the online system, a paper form is available. You can print this out to share with potential applicants.

Instructions for Potential Applicants

To apply to be an AmeriCorps member, you will need to create an account with the AmeriCorps Recruitment System / My AmeriCorps

1. Go to MyAmeriCorps. Click on "Register to Create a New Member/Alum Account."
2. Complete the requested profile information. (You will need a Social Security number and valid address, telephone number, and email.)
3. Once you receive your account information via email, log into the MyAmeriCorps portal and use the navigation pane on the left to complete your application and reference information
4. When your application is complete, click "Search Listings"
5. Type "Name of your Program" into the Program Name field (ignore all the other fields)
6. Click "Search"
7. Click the listing to view program information
8. Read the program information and then click "Apply Now" at the bottom of the page.

Notes to Applicants

With the MyAmeriCorps system, you need to select the program(s) you are applying for after you complete the general application, not before.

Watch your email after you submit your application. When your application status changes from "Submitted" to "Under Review," you will receive a message. You will also receive an email if your application is rejected. Here is a sample of what this email looks like:

***PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE***
Dear (name of applicant):
A change has been made to your account regarding the status of your application. To view this status change please log into your MyAmeriCorps account at https://my.americorps.gov/mp Please do not reply to this message. If you have any questions or need further assistance please click on "Contact My AmeriCorps" on the MyAmeriCorps website or call 1-800-942-2677.