The term 'ANSWER A HELP-WANTED AD' is a call to action for someone to respond to an advertisement for a job. It is a way for employers to find potential employees who are qualified for the position they are looking to fill. By answering a help-wanted ad, applicants can demonstrate their interest in the job and provide information about their skills and experience that make them a good fit for the role. The five-letter solution to this crossword is 'APPLY'.