Written by Salary.com Staff
December 1, 2023
Start with the job description when searching for a new job or filling a position. This tool outlines the responsibilities, requirements, and expectations of the role. For job seekers, it reveals what the company seeks in a candidate and helps determine if it's a good fit. For employers, the job description guides the interview process and reflects the ideal hire.
A job description outlines the key details of a position at a company. It specifies the role's essential duties and responsibilities so employers and job seekers can determine if there is a good fit.
A thoughtfully written job description is valuable for attracting qualified candidates and setting appropriate expectations. Keeping descriptions up to date helps ensure roles and responsibilities align with business goals. For job seekers, reading through descriptions thoroughly is the best way to find positions that are the right fit.
A good job description helps job-seekers determine if the role and company fit their skills and experience. As an employer, it allows a clear communication of the position's key details and requirements to potential applicants.
An effective job description should include the following key elements:
Job Summary
Give a high-level overview of the role and its primary responsibilities in 2-3 sentences. This summary should capture the essence of the job and pique the reader’s interest.
Responsibilities
List the day-to-day tasks and duties the role entails in bullet points. Be as specific as possible and aim for 6-8 main responsibilities. Use action verbs to describe each task. For example:
Qualifications
Outline the minimum requirements to perform the job successfully. This may include:
Benefits
Briefly highlight any benefits, perks, or incentives offered like health insurance, paid time off, professional development, etc. This helps make the role more attractive to job seekers.
Company Description
Share a quick look at your company, brand, and how things are done there. This helps job seekers decide if they'd fit in.
A well-written job description benefits both employers and job seekers. Here's how it helps each side:
For employers, it:
For job seekers, a good job description:
Making a thoughtful and detailed job description helps both companies and job seekers in the end.
A good job description helps set the right expectations for both the employer and potential jobs seekers. Here are some tips for crafting an effective job description:
Be specific about required skills and experience
Clearly list what's needed for the job: skills, education, and more. Be detailed, like naming the degree or major. Mention specific skills, languages, software, certificates, and licenses. This helps people see if they fit the job.
Highlight duties and responsibilities.
Describe the essential and regular job duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Use active verbs and be detailed. Job seekers need to know what the job involves every day. Mention tasks like "Run social media," "Research and analyze," "Help customers," "Lead a team of 5," and more.
Include important details about the company and team
Briefly describe the company, department, and team the role is part of. Help job seekers understand the company culture and work environment. Mention opportunities for growth or advancement if applicable. This helps applicants determine if they align with the company’s mission and values.
Be transparent about compensation and benefits.
Provide details on salary range, compensation, benefits, paid time off, and any other perks. This attracts high-quality candidates and saves time for both parties during the interview and negotiation process.
Use an engaging and friendly tone.
Write the job listing in an upbeat, encouraging tone to capture interest. While professional, be personable. Say “you” and “your” and present the opportunity in an exciting way. Mention things like “Join our fast-growing team!” or “Opportunity for ambitious self-starters!” to motivate applicants.
Following these tips will help you craft a compelling job listing that attracts top talent. Be specific, and highlight important details about the role and company.
Here are simplified examples of job description for different role:
Entry-level Position
Job Title: Entry-Level Marketing Assistant
Job Summary: We're looking for a motivated Entry-Level Marketing Assistant to join us. You'll support our marketing team by helping with social media, emails, and research. This role is great for someone starting in marketing.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications and Requirements:
Salary and Benefits:
Management Role
Job Title: Assistant Store Manager
Job Summary:
We need an Assistant Store Manager to help run our store smoothly. You'll lead the team, make sure customers are happy, and boost sales. This is a key role in maintaining the store and achieving our goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications and Requirements:
Salary and Benefits:
Creative Industry Job
Job Title: Graphic Designer
Job Summary:
We're looking for a Graphic Designer to join our creative team. You'll create cool visuals for print and digital projects, helping us look awesome.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications and Requirements:
Salary and Benefits:
If you're looking for a job, check those job descriptions and make sure the job matches your skills. If you're hiring, write good job descriptions to get the right people. A good job description is worth it. Remember these tips and you'll find the right fit.
Download our white paper to further understand how organizations across the country are using market data, internal analytics, and strategic communication to establish an equitable pay structure.