How to Write a Job Description
Writing an effective job description is crucial for attracting qualified candidates to your open roles. A well-crafted job description serves as the first impression potential applicants have of your company and the role. It sets clear expectations while enticing top talent to apply to increase your chances of finding the right fit.
Read on to learn best practices to write a job description, along with good job description examples and free templates you can use.
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What is a job description?
A job description is a document that outlines the key responsibilities, qualifications, skills, and experience required for a particular role within a company. It provides potential candidates with a clear understanding of the position and what will be expected of them.
Why are job descriptions important?
Well-written job descriptions:
- Attract qualified applicants for open roles
- Set expectations upfront about the role
- Help candidates self-assess their fit
- Provide an overview of your company culture and values
- Optimize job postings for better visibility in search
8 steps for writing job descriptions that maximize applicant volume
Follow these nine steps when writing a job description to maximize applicant volume and quality.
1. Understand the role inside out
Before you start writing a job description, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the role you’re hiring for. This includes the responsibilities, qualifications, skills, and experience required. Break down the role into specific tasks and duties to ensure you’re presenting a clear picture to potential candidates. This clarity will help them determine if they are a suitable fit for the position.
2. Use clear and concise language
When writing a job description, avoid using jargon or overly complex language. Use clear and concise language that is easy to understand. Potential candidates should be able to quickly grasp the key aspects of the role without having to decipher complicated terminology. Keep in mind that candidates may be coming from diverse backgrounds and industries, so clarity is key. Bonus points if you begin the job description with a clear two sentence job summary. Most job seekers skim and decide whether a job is a fit for them after only reading the description for a few seconds.
3. Provide salary and benefits information
Job seekers want to know what’s in it for them. While some employers prefer to keep salary information confidential, providing a salary range or at least mentioning that the compensation is competitive can attract more qualified candidates. Additionally, outline any benefits your company offers, such as health insurance, retirement plans, flexible work hours, and opportunities for career growth. Hireology research found that 91% of job seekers will take a lower paying job if the right benefits are offered — so put these perks front and center in your job descriptions.
4. Showcase company culture and values
Similarly, your job description is also an opportunity to showcase your company’s culture and values. Briefly describe your company’s mission, vision, and values to give candidates an idea of what it’s like to work at your organization. This can help candidates align their personal values with your company’s ethos, making them more likely to apply and ultimately become engaged employees.
5. Highlight the key responsibilities
Now that you’ve clearly and concisely sold the job seeker on your culture and benefits, you can outline key responsibilities of the role. Clearly define the day-to-day tasks and outcomes the new hire will be responsible for. Use bullet points to break down the responsibilities, making it easy for candidates to scan and understand the scope of the role.
6. Emphasize qualifications and skills
Be specific about the qualifications and skills required for the job. This helps potential candidates self-assess their fit for the role. Of course it’s important to find a balance here. Include both “must-have” qualifications and “nice-to-have” qualifications along with equivalent experience. This will ensure you attract a pool of candidates who meet the minimum requirements while also giving room for those who possess different, but beneficial skills and are willing to learn.
7. Use a compelling title
The job title is often the first thing candidates see, so it should accurately represent the role while also being appealing. Avoid using overly vague titles and opt for titles that clearly indicate the role’s level and responsibilities. Additionally, don’t try to cram eye catching benefits into the title (e.g., “Housekeeper — flexible scheduling”) as this approach can often come across as a scam and can be off putting to qualified candidates. Rule of thumb: keep the job title to 3-4 words max.
8. Optimize for search engines
To ensure your job description reaches a wider audience, optimize it for search engines by using keywords that are relevant for the role. Incorporate this keyword naturally throughout the description to increase the chances of your job posting appearing in search results. Additionally, job descriptions between 300 to 700 words often perform best on Google as they strike a balance between providing necessary information and maintaining the reader’s attention.
9. Include an equal opportunity employer statement
An equal opportunity statement is where you can highlight your commitment to diversity and equal opportunity. These types of statements are critical to include in your job description as they encourage folks of all backgrounds to apply to your roles — helping you maximize applicants and achieve your DEI goals.
Good job description examples & templates
Looking for job description examples to help you get started? We’ve got you covered. We’ve written templates for several critical roles we often see our customers hiring for at high volumes, including automotive technicians and CNAs. Click below to get your template today.
Senior Care Job Description Templates
In recruiting, there’s few things more important than learning how to write a job description well. By following these guidelines, you’ll not only attract top-tier talent but also set the stage for a successful hiring process. Remember to keep the language clear, highlight the benefits for the candidate, and showcase your company’s values. With a well-structured and compelling job description, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect candidate for your team.