Why Job Descriptions Matter
First impression for potential candidates
Sets clear expectations for the role
Improves quality of applicants
Reduces time-to-fill by attracting right candidates
Serves as future reference for performance evaluation
Legal compliance and documentation
Core Components Checklist
1. Job Title ✓
Clear and industry-standard title
Avoid internal jargon or creative titles
Include level (Senior, Lead, etc.)
Searchable keywords included
Accurate representation of role
2. Company Overview ✓
Brief company description
Mission and values
Company culture highlights
Recent achievements or growth
Industry position
Company size and stage
Location/remote policy
3. Role Summary ✓
2-3 compelling sentences about position
Department/team context
Reporting structure
Impact of role on company
Work environment (remote/hybrid/office)
4. Key Responsibilities ✓
5-8 primary duties
Specific deliverables
Project involvement
Team collaboration aspects
Strategic vs tactical breakdown
Growth opportunities
Success metrics
5. Required Qualifications ✓
Years of experience
Education requirements
Technical skills
Industry knowledge
Certifications
Language proficiency
Essential soft skills
6. Preferred Qualifications ✓
Additional skills that are valuable
Relevant industry experience
Desired certifications
Beneficial technical knowledge
Helpful soft skills
7. Benefits & Perks ✓
Salary range (if shareable)
Healthcare coverage
PTO policy
Remote work options
Professional development
Additional benefits
Unique company perks
Writing Best Practices
Language Guidelines
Use Active Voice
YES: "You will lead project teams"
NO: "Project teams will be led"
Be Inclusive
Avoid gender-specific terms
Use inclusive language
Consider accessibility
Welcome diverse backgrounds
Stay Concise
Use bullet points
Keep paragraphs short
Focus on essential information
Remove redundant content
Formatting Tips
Structure
Clear headings
Consistent formatting
White space for readability
Mobile-friendly layout
Length
400-800 words total
5-8 bullets per section
Short, scannable paragraphs
No long blocks of text
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Unrealistic requirements
Vague job duties
Internal jargon
Discriminatory language
Missing essential information
Too lengthy or brief
Poor formatting
Unclear expectations
Job Description Template
SEO Optimization Tips
Include industry-standard job titles
Use relevant keywords naturally
Add location information
Include common role variations
Mention key technologies/tools
Add industry-specific terms
Final Review Checklist
Content Quality ✓
All sections completed
Clear and concise language
No spelling/grammar errors
Accurate requirements
Compelling company description
Clear value proposition
Technical Aspects ✓
Proper formatting
Mobile-friendly
SEO optimized
ATS compatible
Links working (if any)
Legal Compliance ✓
Non-discriminatory language
Equal opportunity statement
Salary transparency (if required)
Regulatory compliance
Accurate classification
Candidate Perspective ✓
Clear understanding of role
Compelling opportunity
Realistic requirements
Clear next steps
Attractive benefits
Growth potential
Pre-Publishing Questions
Does this accurately represent the role?
Would this attract the right candidates?
Is all essential information included?
Is the language inclusive and engaging?
Are the requirements realistic?
Does it showcase company culture?
Is it optimized for search?
Does it comply with all regulations?
Remember: A well-crafted job description is an investment in finding the right talent. Take time to review and refine before publishing.