How to Write a Job Description Like a Pro?

Kristina Martic
HR Blog & Resources
4 min readMar 9, 2018
writing a job description

Have you ever struggled with writing clear, precise and compelling job descriptions?

If you have, this article is for you. It will let you in on recruiting professionals’ job description writing secrets and present resources and tools that will help you write your job description like a pro.

The trouble with job descriptions

Sometimes writing a great job description can be easier said than done. If you’ve ever stared at the blank page, you know how frustrating that can be.
But you don’t need to struggle anymore! 🙂

This article is your guide for writing job descriptions like a pro.

I will let you in on recruiting professionals’ job description writing secrets.

If you want to learn all their little tips and tricks for writing great job descriptions, this article is for you!

The benefits of writing job descriptions like a pro

Carefully crafted, clear and precise job description are important for two main reasons.

First is improved internal communication, and second is improved external communication.

Improved internal communication

Clearly and precisely described job position can eliminate possible misunderstandings inside your company.

Writing down all the job position’s duties and responsibilities will get everyone on the same page about the position you are looking to fill.

Without it, you risk managers having one idea, HR professionals another, department you are looking to fill with a new role third, etc.

Improved external communication

Clearly and precisely described job position is crucial for communicating your needs and requirements with possible candidates.

Crafting a compelling job description is the first step in finding and hiring your ideal job candidate.

A well written job description can help you attract high quality candidates and repel unqualified, thus saving your time and money.

How to write a job description like a pro?

Here is the list of essential knowledge, resources and tools that will help you write your job description like a pro! 💪

1. Learn the difference between job description and job posting

Recruiting professionals know the difference between job descriptions and job postings.

A job description is an internal document which explains company’s job position. It contains all the details about the role and it is written in a formal tone.

A job posting, on the other hand, is an advertisement for your open job description. It is a document meant for external use, to attract candidates.

In short: Job description explains the job, while job posting sells it.

2. Follow the common job description structure

All professionally written job descriptions follow the common structure:

  • Job title

Write a clear and precise job title. Use commonly known titles in line with industry norms.

  • Role summary

Explain why is this position important for your company and specify how it contributes to

your business goals.

  • Duties and responsibilities list

Don’t write a laundry list of job duties and responsibilities, just list the main ones.

  • Qualifications and skills list

List the required education level and type, professional certifications, years of

experience, technical and soft skills.

3. Define your candidate persona

As you write your job description, keep your ideal candidate in mind.

Imagine a person that would be a perfect fit for this job.

This representation of your ideal candidate is called candidate persona. 👩

Provide enough information and descriptions to help your ideal candidates visualize themselves in your job position!

4. Use job description templates

Instead writing your job descriptions from scratch, start with professionally written job description templates.

These job description templates are a great starting point.

They will save your time and make sure that you don’t miss any of the key requirements for a certain job position.

Feel free to copy these job descriptions templates and customize them to suit your own needs.

5. Use professional tools

Modern recruiting professionals use specialized recruiting tools to help them write and advertise their job descriptions.

Specialized recruiting tools can help you with all phases of posting jobs, from writing job descriptions to publishing and promoting your job ads.

With professional recruiting software you can access free job description templates, build beautiful career sites (no coding needed!) and publish your job postings on multiple job boards with just one click.

You can also set up employee referral programs, create engaging email campaigns and easily share your job postings on social media — all from one easy to use platform!

And…voila!

That’s it.

Now you know how to write your job descriptions like a pro.

So go on and start writing! 🙂

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