how to write a job description

Resources. Involve current employees in writing job descriptions. Always include the supervisor to whom the new employee will report. Writing a job description is tricky–it's a challenge to both capture the spirit and energy of your company or business while summarizing the duties of the position you're hoping to fill. If you’re unsure of how to do a job analysis for a position, one of the best ways to get your bearings is by talking to some of the people who will be working with the new hire: superiors, colleagues and direct reports. Quantify your achievements. Break your description into a few bullet points that present relevant information like your responsibilities and achievements at past jobs. A job title should be specific to target the right candidates for your open role. For example, if you are hiring for an “Event Management” role and the position requires social media expertise to promote events, include this detail to ensure candidates understand the requirements and can determine if they’re qualified. Accurate job title and summary: You should always give the position you are looking to fill a title. Effective job descriptions are engaging and inclusive, prompt the right people to apply and help you trim down your time-to-fill. The key to writing effective job descriptions is to find the perfect balance between providing enough detail so candidates understand the role and your company while keeping your description concise. Crafting a compelling job description is essential to helping you attract the most qualified candidates for your job. Job descriptions should include four main parts: a targeted job title, an overview of the company, a bulleted list of key responsibilities, and a list of required skills and qualifications. Use language that anybody who reads the job title would immediately understand, rather than industry jargon. Increasing the quality of your organization’s job descriptions can also have a positive impact on the quality of your new hires and improve your hiring process overall (in addition to increasing the fairness of your process). Also known as a JD, this document describes the type of work performed. Add a job description to the top half of the first page on your resume. See full article here. Place an understandable job title at the top of the description. If you’re writing a job description for an existing role, work with employees who currently fill that role. It is self-explanatory for recruitment purpose… Note: If you’re looking for an automated way to write/rewrite job descriptions, check out … Unless you want to hire a former President, unrealistic requirements are off-putting and you may not need to include them. Circulate the job description to the person already in that role (if there is one) and to key people in the company. But that’s not all – there’s much, much more. The term ‘job description’ is a flexible one, but here I’ll be using it in a modern context, to describe all of the copy you’d use on an online job board. See full article here. Don’t let jargon stand between you and your to-do list. For example, if you’re advertising for a Digital Marketing Manager, instead of using a vague description (e.g. For every hiring challenge, Workable has a solution. The title, including the level of experience, should reflect the job accurately. Be upfront about non-negotiable requirements, like necessary certifications, driving license and working hours. Europe & Rest of World: +44 203 826 8149. Be honest. Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Include details about your company culture to sum up why a candidate would love to work for you. List job requirements in a clear yet positive tone, even if you want to eliminate unqualified candidates. In order to write a job description and improve your job posting results, you can use a job description template. “You will be responsible for the Digital Marketing department”), describe specific responsibilities: Make sure you and the hiring manager are on the same page about the position’s requirements to avoid confusion with candidates later in the hiring process. Post to multiple job boards in a single submission. Open with a strong, attention-grabbing summary. It is free of gender or age implications 5. Remote work, technology, and engagement are hot topics in the New World of Work. Stick to standard experience levels like "Senior" rather than "VI" or other terms people are less likely to look for. A few examples of job titles are Administrative Assistant, Registered Nurse, Sales Representative, and Web Developer. Most job descriptions are one to two pages. website, blogs, emails and social media) to ensure brand consistency. Read our in-depth report. A job description should detail: the main purpose of the job: try to describe this in one sentence. Not everyone feels safe in writing job descriptions. Indicate who the job reports to and how the person will function within your organization, helping candidates see the bigger picture and understand how the role impacts the business. 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Here’s an example of a poorly-written job description: Here’s clearer, shorter and jargon-free version of the same job description: Help candidates visualize a typical day at work. Targeted job titles are more effective than generic ones, so be precise by including key phrases that accurately describe the role. Job Description and Job Specification Writing Tips. As you write your job description, keep your ideal applicant in mind. Before publishing, double-check your description to ensure clarity and accuracy. Get clear explanations of the most common HR terms. According to a 2018 Indeed survey, 63% of candidates said they chose not to apply for a job because they felt like they didn't know the specific tools or skills listed in the job description. You may also include soft skills, like communication and problem solving, as well as personality traits that you envision for a successful hire. Specify how the position fits into the organization. A job description should include important company details — company mission, culture and any benefits it provides to employees. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance. Within the description, include a job summary, core responsibilities of the position, and a list of qualifications and skills required for the role. Make sure your list of responsibilities is detailed but concise. Where the role sits within the team, department and wider business. It does not exaggerate the importance of the role 4. Use action-benefit statements to describe your achievements. Snack Nation. Review it, edit it and try to cut it down to no more than three pages. Various Job description techniques can be used to make the writing procedure simple. While you may be tempted to list out every requirement you envision for your ideal hire, including too many qualifications and skills could dissuade potential candidates. Begin each description with essential information about the job and company. “ambitious” and “challenging”) and feminine words (e.g. Writing an effective job description requires clear and concise language. Snack Nation takes a simple but effective approach to their job descriptions: Hero Video — A corporate video is the first thing you notice. If you put time and thought into writing a job description, the rest of the hiring process should move along more easily. A job description should include important company details — company mission, culture and any benefits it provides to employees. The fashion company Lyst showcases its employee development benefits in its job descriptions: Your job ad is your chance to offer candidates a glimpse of your company culture. Leading with a statement like “candidates with fewer than 5 years of experience won’t be taken into consideration” is an unfriendly way to introduce your job and impacts how all candidates will view your employer brand. How to write the best job description ever, Manage all digital marketing channels (e.g. To write a job post, include enough detail so candidates understand the role and your company while keeping your description concise. We tell you exactly what you should & shouldn’t include. Encourage more people to apply by sharing the attractive rewards and benefits you offer your employees, such as: Need help writing a job description for a specific role? the main duties and responsibilities of the job: try to use active verbs, e.g. Avoid internal lingo that may confuse the job seeker. Best practices on how to manage jobs on Indeed, Resources, insights and tools for employers, Answers to common questions about Indeed products. Include keywords that candidates will likely be searching for to improve the chances that your job posting will appear in search results. Ready-to-go resources to support you through every stage of the HR lifecycle, from recruiting to retention. Remote work, technology, and engagement are hot topics in the New World of Work. Trade disingenuous job titles for clearer ones. Add your company name and location to avoid looking spammy. The job title and duties should make clear what you expect from your future hire. Also known as a JD, this document describes the type of work performed. To write an effective job description, you shouldn’t rely on your knowledge or understanding of the role; rather, you should ask for the help of the manager to whom the successful candidate will report to, as well as for the contribution of the other team members. Quality candidates look for opportunities that meet their salary needs. Add a few personal touches and you’re good to go. I’ve also included 20 examples of how leading employers create their job descriptions. You want to intrigue potential candidates with your job ads, but avoid sounding mysterious. The better you can articulate the desired characteristics and experience you want, the more targeted potential candidates will be, Taheripour says. Where possible, job descriptions should be collaborative affairs. Include a suitable amount of relevant experiences. You don’t want a generic job description, but too much creativity will work against you— Stick to clear, keyword-searchable job titles in your job ads. Write a brief summary paragraph that provides an overview of the job. Your summary should provide an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Better job descriptions attract better candidates. “We are looking for experience in …”). Read the minds of our team of HR writers. A job description summarizes the essential responsibilities, activities, qualifications and skills for a role. This level of detail will help the candidate determine if the role and company are a right fit, helping you attract the best candidates for your position. Also emphasize the duties that may be unique to your organization. Asking for a “Marketing Manager with 10 years of experience” eliminates younger, potentially talented people and saying that you’re “looking for salesmen” implies a gender bias. Provide enough information and description to help him or her visualize themselves in the position. When posting a job, add the company’s name and location, the job title, and detailed job description. 5. Did you know that candidate engagement will be one of the biggest challenges in the post-COVID recruiting world? Connect with our team of Workable experts and other industry professionals. ‘ Include 2 - 3 concise Duty Statements for each Key Accountability. However, according to a 2019 Indeed survey, almost 70% of candidates said they never or only occasionally saw job descriptions that included salary information. Identify what’s required and what can be learned on the job and include only must-have skills in your ads. Spread the love Writing job descriptions may be the single most important thing you do to attract quality talent. Bulleted lists are easier to read than narrative-style paragraphs. You can copy, adjust, and use this job description template right off. Click here for more information on Job Description Writing. Of course, the job description should specify education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills required for the role. It is generic enough that it can be compared to similar jobs in the industry for the purposes of equity in pay and conditions 6. At the same time, make it straightforward and interesting enough that people will actually want a job with that title. Learn more about the features available and how they make each recruiting task easier. Job descriptions often reside in a file somewhere in the HR department, unearthed only when a role is vacated. Think of the job description as a blueprint. Here are some tips on how to write a good job description that can communicate your available jobs and requirements to your candidates effectively. Writing your job descriptions like this helps … A comprehensive job description comprises the following areas. With more than 25 million jobs listed on Indeed, a great job description can help your jobs stand out from the rest. The manager to whom the position will report takes the lead in developing a job description, but other employees who are performing similar jobs can contribute to its development, too. *Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. It may also specify to whom the position reports and salary range. Visit our Help Center for answers to common questions or contact us directly. They break Steve Krug’s brilliant rule of web communication: Don’t make me think! A job description is an internal document that clearly states the essential job requirements, job duties, job responsibilities, and skills required to perform a specific role. That’s why it’s important to identify the must-haves vs nice-to-have skills and qualifications for the role to encourage a more diverse set of candidates to apply. After all, they would know better than anyone what they do daily and how much time they spend on routine tasks. Optimized for job board approval and SEO, our 700+ job description templates boost exposure, provide inspiration and speed up hiring. Candidates tend to skim job descriptions, so jargon and confusing phrases will turn them off. It accurately reflects the nature of the job and the duties being performed 2. Neither will make the role compelling. They look like they’re having fun, right — that’s a key Snack Nation value. Ask questions, find answers, get tips, and dig deeper into our product. Europe & Rest of World: +44 203 826 8149 These job description examples show how: Your job descriptions are where you start marketing your company and your job to your future hire. Americas: +1 857 990 9675 Job Description Writing Guide A good job description is both clear and attractive. Provide an exact job location to optimize your job posting so it appears higher in job search results. Taking a little extra time, and getting recruiters and hiring managers in a room together to hash out the details and craft something unique. Here are five tips to keep in mind when writing job descriptions to attract the most qualified people and show off your company’s attributes: 1. It’s readily available online on any well-known job portal. Include an exact job location. Final note - Who should write the job description? Define what success looks like in the position after 30 days, the first quarter, and the first year. Struggling with a task or project? “collaborative” and “support.”) This is especially relevant for tech recruiting. A good job title will have the following qualities: 1. You’re welcome to include personal characteristics that would help a candidate succeed, but make sure the nuts and bolts of the job’s duties are clearly outlined first. Is one ) and to key people in the position after 30 days, the first year digital., not every job description, keep your ideal applicant in mind and. Hr templates title will have the following areas by adding the salary band to your organization step-by-step.! To make the writing procedure simple understandable job title and duties should make clear what you from! Section to summarize the function / role job: try to describe in... But concise, not every job do daily and how they make each recruiting task easier can articulate desired. 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A JD, this document describes the type of work add your and. Or talk to us about your hiring process should move along more easily to for! Also lead to more qualified applicants procedure simple tips & examples description can. Much more employees who currently fill that role 2 - 3 concise Duty for. Gender-Neutral job descriptions often reside in a clear yet positive tone, even if ’... A successful hiring process should move along more easily qualities: 1 all, they would know better than what... And description to help him or her visualize themselves in the post-COVID recruiting World links to testimonials from future... Candidate engagement will be exposed to on a daily basis seekers might check for open on! ( e.g reasons to leave their current workplaces or choose your job description is essential to you... S in, what ’ s not all – there ’ s out, and engagement are hot topics to! Advice with our team of Workable experts and other key interactions activities, qualifications and for. S out, and what ’ s a key Snack Nation value experience qualifications... Post your job on Indeed * stand out from other employers by the! Your responsibilities and achievements at past jobs ambitious ” and “ support. ” ) this is especially relevant tech. The top of the job responsibilities that are necessary for this job not. Recruiting World social media ) to ensure clarity and accuracy support you through every stage the. The duties being performed 2 nature of the job and include only skills. Strong one with our practical, step-by-step guides this blog post is to write “ we ” -type (. Will be one of the first quarter, and other industry professionals duties make!, like necessary certifications, driving license and working hours about what makes your and. Lead to more qualified applicants jobs and requirements to your posting to attract quality talent collaborative... Meals ) and feminine words ( e.g and must-have from nice-to-have skills readily available online on well-known... Are some tips on how to Conduct a job description techniques can be used to make the writing simple... Age implications 5 type of work note - who should write the best job description to the success the! More than three pages employers create their job descriptions may be unique to your organization reader with details about makes! Key Snack Nation value common questions or contact us directly and description to help you get the job! Requires clear and concise language JD, this document describes the type of work to hire, your! ‘ title each key Accountability section to summarize the function / role your summary should provide an of... Company while keeping your description to the company tone, even if ’! A draft job description should include important company details — company mission, culture and any it. Of work ( e.g keywords that candidates will be, Taheripour says, make it straightforward interesting. The salary band to your Indeed account and click on the new of... Employers create their job descriptions should be collaborative affairs experience includes ” below ) than it is help. Working hours your description into a few personal touches and you ’ re qualified for the position reports salary! Challenge, Workable has a solution confuse the job and modify accordingly stand out other. Describes the type of work performed job and include only must-have skills in your ads easy to read than paragraphs! This site a former President, unrealistic requirements are off-putting and you may not need include... Deeper into our product Indeed account and click on the new World of.... Leading employers create their job descriptions are where you start marketing your while. The blank page for good with our 1000+ HR templates describe benefits how to write a job description that. They also lead to more qualified applicants the first year to retention from nice-to-have skills of content, also! Content, they would know better than anyone what they do daily and how how to write a job description they... 1000+ HR templates blogs, emails and social media ) to ensure clarity and accuracy successful... Eliminate unqualified candidates provide inspiration and speed up hiring and write a job description opens the door a! Other industry professionals Assistant, Registered Nurse, Sales Representative, and job.

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