How to write a job description that really works

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How to write a Job Description

Crafting the perfect job description is a blend of art and strategy, a crucial step in attracting the right talent to your team. In this guide, we’ll unlock the secrets to creating a compelling and precise job description that resonates with your ideal candidates.

What is a job description

Alright, let’s dive into the riveting world of job descriptions. Now, hold your excitement! A job description, in its bare bones, is a bit like a first date. It’s your chance to make a dazzling first impression on a potential future employee. But instead of flowers and awkward compliments, you’re armed with a detailed outline of the job’s duties, responsibilities, and the skills required to not mess it up. It’s the map that guides lost job seekers to the treasure chest that is your job opening.

But it’s more than just a list of demands and a few “must-haves”. A job description is a delicate balance of being informative, enticing, and realistic. It’s the cornerstone of your recruitment strategy, painting a picture of what life is like in the trenches of your company. It tells the candidate, “Hey, this is what we’re about, and this is what you’ll be doing if you join our crew. Interested?”

Why a good job description is important

You might wonder, “Why all the fuss about a job description?” Well, a killer job description is like the secret sauce in your recruitment burger. It’s what separates the “meh” applicants from the “wow, where have you been all our corporate life” candidates.

A good job description does a few heavy-lifting tasks. It filters out the unqualified, the overqualified, and the just-plain-wrong-for-the-role folks, saving you from the avalanche of CVs that miss the mark. It’s also your first step in selling the role and your company. You’re not just listing a job; you’re pitching a dream, a future, and maybe a nice office with decent coffee.

But wait, there’s more! It sets clear expectations. You don’t want your new hire to start their first day and realise their job is actually herding cats when they thought they were applying for an accounting position. Miscommunication leads to disgruntled employees, and disgruntled employees lead to empty coffee pots and passive-aggressive notes in the kitchen.

Learn other ways to filter candidates with Teamdash

How to write a good job description

Ah, the million-dollar question: how do you craft this mythical, magnetic job description? Fear not, for I shall guide you through this treacherous path with the grace of a gazelle in a china shop.

How to write job description

Open with a strong attention-grabbing summary

First impressions count. Start with a bang, not a whimper. Your job description should open with a summary that grabs attention like a headline in a tabloid. It should scream (politely, of course), “Read me! I’m interesting!” Give them a taste of your company culture, the impact of the role, and why it’s as exciting as finding an extra fry at the bottom of the bag.

Highlight the role and your company

Next, illuminate the role and your company like they’re the stars of the show – because, let’s face it, they are. Don’t just list the duties; paint a picture of how this role contributes to the big picture. And for your company, show off a bit. Talk about your culture, your values, and maybe slip in how cool your office space is.

Be detailed but concise

This is the tightrope walk. You need to be detailed enough to give a clear picture, but concise enough not to bore them to tears. List the key responsibilities and requirements, but don’t turn it into “War and Peace”. Keep it sharp, snappy, and to the point. Remember, you’re writing a job description, not a novel.

Duties that Accurately Describe the Role

Now, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty: the actual duties. This is where you lay it all out on the table – what the day-to-day activities of the position will look like. Think of it as writing a recipe; you need to include the right ingredients (skills and tasks) so your potential candidates can gauge if they have what it takes to cook up success in your kitchen.

Remember, clarity is key. You don’t want to end up with a candidate who thought they were signing up for a baking show when they’re actually running a barbecue pit.

Specify the Type of Work and Years of Experience Required

Don’t be shy about laying out the specifics. If the job requires juggling multiple projects like a circus performer, say so. If it’s more of a solo trek through the wilderness of spreadsheets, that’s worth mentioning too. And let’s talk experience – if you need someone who’s been around the block a few times, specify the years of experience required. It helps to filter out the newbies who might still be finding their feet.

Sum Up Why a Candidate Should Apply

Here’s where you turn on the charm. At the end of the job description, give them the ‘why’. Why should they want this job? Is it the dynamic team environment? The chance to make a real impact? Or maybe it’s the legendary office Christmas parties? Whatever it is, make it appealing, make it shine, and make it something that makes them hit ‘apply’ faster than you can say “Welcome aboard!”

Learn to Manage the Avalanche of Candidates You’ll Attract!

Job description examples

It’s all well and good to talk theory, but let’s see how this plays out in the real world, shall we?

Job description Example 1: Retail sales assistant

🌟 Attention Retail Superstars! 🌟

Are you ready to join a vibrant, energetic team that feels more like a family? Are you the type of person who gets a thrill from making someone’s day a little brighter? If you nodded “yes,” then we have the perfect role for you! Our dynamic retail team is seeking a Retail Sales Assistant who is as excited about fashion and customer service as we are. Imagine a role where your enthusiasm can shine brighter than our store lights, and your smile is the most contagious thing in the room.

Who We Are:

At [Your Company Name], we’re not just a store; we’re a haven for trendsetters and fashion enthusiasts. Our mission is to provide an unforgettable shopping experience, and we pride ourselves on our unique, stylish collections that turn heads. Nestled in the heart of the city, our store is a buzzing hive of creativity and style, and we’re looking for someone to help keep that energy flowing.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Greet and assist customers with enthusiasm and genuine warmth.
  • Offer personalised styling advice and product recommendations.
  • Manage and process transactions with a high level of accuracy.
  • Maintain a thorough knowledge of our product range, trends, and inventory.
  • Ensure the store presentation is impeccable at all times.
  • Assist with stock management and visual merchandising.
  • Handle customer queries and provide exceptional service.

What We Need From You:

  • A shining personality that loves engaging with people.
  • At least 1 year of experience in retail or customer service.
  • A knack for fashion and styling, with an eye for detail.
  • The ability to work flexibly, including weekends and holidays.
  • Strong communication skills and a team player attitude.
  • A proactive approach, ready to jump in and help wherever needed.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

Join us and be part of a culture that values creativity, individuality, and fun! We offer competitive pay, employee discounts, and the opportunity to grow in a thriving, fashionable environment. And yes, our legendary team outings and holiday parties are not to be missed! This is more than a job; it’s a chance to bring joy and style to every customer you meet.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a rewarding journey with a team that values your unique talents, hit ‘apply’! Let’s create memorable shopping experiences together, one stylish outfit at a time.

🛍️ Apply Now and Step Into Style! 🛍️

Job description Example 2: Software Developer

🚀 Exciting Opportunity for Aspiring Code Wizards! 🚀

Are you passionate about coding and eager to make a significant impact in the tech world? Do you dream in JavaScript and wake up with solutions to complex problems? If that sounds like you, then you’re in the right place! We’re on the hunt for a Software Developer who’s not just skilled in coding, but who’s also ready to bring innovative ideas to life. This is your chance to be part of a team where your code doesn’t just run systems, it transforms how we do business.

Who We Are:

At [Your Company Name], we’re more than just a tech company; we’re a digital innovator. Our mission is to harness the power of technology to create solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations. Located in the tech hub of the city, our offices are as dynamic and forward-thinking as the solutions we provide. Join us, and be a part of a team that’s shaping the future, one line of code at a time.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain cutting-edge web and mobile applications.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features.
  • Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize code for performance and efficiency.
  • Participate in code reviews to maintain high-quality code standards.
  • Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends.
  • Contribute innovative ideas to improve user experience and overall product.

What We Need From You:

  • Proven experience as a Software Developer (2+ years preferred).
  • Proficiency in one or more programming languages (e.g., JavaScript, Python, C#).
  • Familiarity with web frameworks and front-end technologies (e.g., React, Angular).
  • Experience with databases, API integration, and version control tools.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a detail-oriented mindset.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

Join us, and you’ll be part of a culture that’s as innovative as our technologies. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Our collaborative workspace is designed to inspire creativity, and yes, our legendary hackathons and gaming nights are just as exciting as they sound! This is your chance to make your mark in a company that values innovation and creativity.

So, if you’re ready to code, create, and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, hit ‘apply’ now! Let’s revolutionize the digital landscape together.

💻 Apply Today and Code the Future! 💻

Job Description template

Here is a customizable template that you can directly use and adapt to create your job description.

Job Title: [Insert Job Title Here]

Location: [Insert Location Here]

Department: [Insert Department Name]

Reports To: [Insert Supervisor/Manager Title]

Position Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time/Contract, etc.]

Salary Range: [If applicable, insert salary range]

Job Summary:

[Begin with a brief, 2-3 sentence overview of the job role, highlighting the primary responsibilities and the role’s significance within the company.]

Key Responsibilities:

  • [List the primary job duties and responsibilities, using action verbs to start each statement.]
  • [Each responsibility should be clear and concise, providing a detailed understanding of the tasks involved.]
  • [Include 5-10 responsibilities, prioritizing the most significant ones.]

Qualifications:

Education:

  • [Specify required or preferred educational background, if applicable.]

Experience:

  • [Indicate the required years of professional experience and any specific industry experience needed.]
  • [Mention any specific past job roles or experiences that are desirable for this position.]

Skills:

  • [List essential skills required for the job, such as technical skills, communication skills, organizational abilities, etc.]
  • [Include both hard skills (e.g., software proficiency, technical knowledge) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving).]

Additional Requirements:

  • [If there are certifications, licenses, or other special requirements for the job, list them here.]
  • [Include any physical or travel requirements, if relevant to the job.]

Company Overview:

[Provide a brief description of your company, including the core values, mission, and culture. Highlight what makes your company a unique and attractive place to work.]

Benefits:

  • [List the benefits that your company offers, such as health insurance, retirement plans, wellness programs, etc.]
  • [Include any unique company benefits, like flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, or employee discounts.]

How to Apply:

[Provide clear instructions on how to apply for the job, including any necessary application materials like resumes, cover letters, or portfolios. Indicate where to send applications or if there’s an online application process.]

Transforming a Job Description into a Visually Captivating Job Ad Landing Page

Now, let’s talk about the power of visuals in breathing life into your job descriptions. In today’s fast-paced, digital world, a text-heavy job description might not cut it. Enter the job ad landing page: a visually stunning, interactive space that turns a simple job description into an immersive experience. Why is this important, you ask? Because visuals speak volumes. They capture attention, evoke emotions, and can convey your company culture more effectively than words alone.

How to write job descriptions

A well-designed job ad landing page uses images, videos, and interactive elements to give candidates a real taste of what it’s like to work at your company. It’s about showcasing your workplace, your team, and the day-to-day life in a way that words alone can’t. This approach not only increases engagement but also helps your job ad stand out in a sea of text-only descriptions. It transforms the mundane task of reading a job description into an exciting journey, making potential candidates feel like they’re already part of the story. By doing this, you’re not just attracting applicants; you’re engaging future team members who are already beginning to envision their place in your company.

Want to get some examples? Check our blog post with the best job advert examples.

Learn how to create beautiful Job Ad Landing Pages

In Conclusion: Writing a Job Description that Works

Writing a job description isn’t just about listing the requirements and responsibilities. It’s about storytelling, about selling a dream, and about finding that perfect match. It’s an art and a science, and with Teamdash, you’ve got both in your corner.

So, there you have it. A guide to writing a job description that not only works but wows. And remember, Teamdash is here to help you every step of the way – from drafting that first sentence to welcoming your new hire on board.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about filling a position. It’s about building a team that can take your company to new heights. And with the right job description and job ad landing page, and with Teamdash by your side, the sky’s the limit.

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Merilyn Uudmae

Merilyn

Content Marketing Manager

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