Below is a practical, step-by-step guide you can use right away to advertise manufacturing job openings in Ontario — plus a short, ready-to-use job ad template and tips to get better applicants fast.

1. Prepare the job posting (make it clear & compelling)

• Job title: use standard, searchable titles (e.g., “CNC Machinist,” “Production Associate,” “Maintenance Technician”).
• Summary (1–2 lines): what the role does and why it matters.
• Key responsibilities: 6–10 bullet points, prioritized by importance.
• Must-have qualifications: certifications, years of experience, licences, language(s).
• Nice-to-have skills: optional but attractive.
• Shift, hours, location(s): be explicit (e.g., “2nd shift, Mon–Fri, Cambridge, ON”).
• Pay range: include a salary range or hourly rate if possible — it increases applications and avoids wasting time.
• Benefits & perks: health, training, overtime, tool allowances, tuition, relocation, shift premiums.
• How to apply: contact email, link to apply, or instructions (e.g., attach resume + certifications).
• Accessibility & accommodation line: “We welcome applications from people with disabilities and will accommodate needs during the recruitment process.”
• Employer brand line: 1–2 sentences on company culture, growth, safety record.

2. Where to advertise (mix free + paid channels)

• Government & large job boards (high reach):
  • Job Bank (federal) — widely used in Canada.
  • Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster.
• Canada / Ontario local sites and programs:
  • Local community college posting boards (e.g., Mohawk, George Brown, Conestoga) and trade schools.
  • Local employment centres / workforce development boards.
  • Municipal job boards (city economic development pages).
• Industry-specific boards:
  • Manufacturing associations, union hiring halls, Ontario Manufacturing Association, trade certification bodies.
• Social media:
  • LinkedIn (organic posts + targeted job ads); Facebook Jobs & community groups; Instagram for employer branding.
• Niche & skills-focused:
  • Apprenticeship portals, technical program alumni networks, red-seal trades job boards.
• Staffing / recruitment agencies:
  • Temp-to-perm agencies and recruiters specializing in light/industrial/manufacturing.
• Community outreach:
  • Local newspapers, community centres, churches, newcomer settlement agencies (for multilingual applicants).
• Events:
  • Host or attend local job fairs, open houses, on-site hiring events, or community partnerships with colleges.

3. How to target and get qualified applicants faster

• Use paid targeted ads on LinkedIn/Facebook by location, skills, certifications, and industries.
• Post several variations of the job title to capture different search terms (e.g., “Assembler / Production Operator”).
• Offer sign-on bonuses, referral bonuses, shift premiums, or training/upskilling — advertise these prominently.
• List a competitive hourly rate and clear advancement path to attract more applicants.
• Provide a fast, simple application process: mobile-friendly apply link or apply-by-text/email option.
• Use pre-screening questions in online applications to filter minimum requirements.
• Promote any employer-led training or apprenticeship opportunities — appeals to entry-level/transition workers.

4. Make the workplace visible (employer brand)

• Post photos or short videos of the workspace, team, and equipment.
• Share employee testimonials and success stories on LinkedIn and your careers page.
• Highlight health & safety practices and certifications (e.g., ISO, safety awards).
• Keep your careers page updated and mobile-optimized.

5. Reduce time-to-hire & improve retention

• Offer quick interview slots and same-day/next-day hiring events.
• Ensure fast communications: automated confirmations, clear timelines, and timely feedback.
• Create an onboarding outline and advertise the first-week experience (orientation, training).
• Track metrics: time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, source-of-hire, applicant-to-interview ratio — iterate based on what works.

6. Legal & compliance reminders (brief)

• Avoid discriminatory language or selection criteria — aim to comply with Ontario Human Rights Code and employment laws.
• If you need definitive legal requirements (e.g., minimum posting language, pay transparency mandates), consult HR/legal counsel or Ontario government resources.

7. Cost & timeline estimates (typical)

• Free postings (Job Bank, colleges, community boards): low cost, 1–4 weeks to get applicants.
• Paid job boards / sponsored listings: $100–$500+ per posting; faster responses (days).
• LinkedIn sponsored job: variable, per-click or per-application; good for skilled trades.
• Recruiting agency: 15–25% of first-year salary for permanent placement, faster but costly.

8. Sample job ad (copy & paste) Title: Production Associate — 2nd Shift (Cambridge, ON)
   Summary: Join our growing team manufacturing precision metal components for automotive customers. We seek a reliable Production Associate for 2nd shift to operate machinery, inspect parts, and support continuous improvement.
   Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor production machines; load/unload parts.
• Inspect parts to print tolerance and record results.
• Maintain production logs and support quality checks.
• Follow all health & safety procedures; participate in continuous improvement.
  Qualifications:
• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary in trades is a plus.
• 1+ year manufacturing experience or willingness to train.
• Able to lift 25 kg and stand for extended periods.
• Basic mechanical aptitude; experience with hand tools.
  Pay & benefits: $22–$26/hr depending on experience; health benefits after 3 months; shift premiums; training and advancement opportunities.
  How to apply: Email resume and availability to hiring@yourcompany.ca with subject “Production Associate — Cambridge.” We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and will provide accommodation as required.

9. Quick checklist before posting

• [ ] Job title is searchable & standard.
• [ ] Salary or range listed.
• [ ] Location and shift are explicit.
• [ ] Application steps are simple and mobile-friendly.
• [ ] Accessibility/accommodation statement included.
• [ ] Posting live on 3–5 channels (Job Bank + 2 job boards + local college).
• [ ] Social post scheduled and recruiter briefed.

If you want, I can:

• Draft a tailored job ad for a specific role, location, and pay range.
• Suggest exact channels and sample wording for targeted paid ads.

Which would you like me to do next?