What Is a Job Description? How to Write an Effective One?

Imagine you want to buy a black T-shirt. There are many shops, both online and offline, that sell black T-shirts.

To ensure you buy the comfiest and most suitable with your size T-shirt, you might choose a clothing brand that has a big name, is famous for its high-quality products, and is suitable for your budget.

The story above is similar when it comes to job descriptions. There are lots of similar roles in many companies and we want to make sure we get many choices of good applicants to fill the position.

Job description is not about dumping a bunch of responsibilities and requirements, but also how we can attract applicants to apply.

In this article, you will learn about how to create an effective job description. Let’s start!

A job description is a written explanation that shares the main responsibilities and requirements for a job role. It must be clear and concise.

A job description has a big role in the recruitment process to help talent acquisition, recruiters, and human resources to attract external and internal applicants to apply. It gives context to the applicants and what type of person a company looks for.

To attract the most compatible and suitable applicants, a job description should explain the qualifications and responsibilities clearly. In reality, over than half of job seekers say that the quality of a job description impacts their choice to apply.

LinkedIn shares that 61% of applicants consider salary range to be the most important element of a job description.

Aside from this fact, a job description with the salary mentioned becomes a benchmark to compare the company’s offer for a certain position with another. So, the recruitment team knows with which company they will compete against to get the best applicants.

Furthermore, job descriptions can help applicants determine if a job is suitable for them. For example, they can clarify whether the position is accessible to applicants with disabilities and whether it aligns with their career goals through the job description.

In the long run, a well-defined job description can serve as a reference for applicants. If the company later expects them to perform tasks outside the original scope without prior communication, applicants can use the job description to hold the company accountable and address any legal concerns.

Things that must be included in a job description are:

• A job title
• Brief introduction of the company, vision, and mission.
• An overview of the job responsibilities.
• The essential skills, competence levels, knowledge, education, and qualifications relevant applicants should have.
• Who the applicants will directly report to.
• Type of employment: contract, full-time, part-time, or freelance.
• Working conditions and location.
• Working arrangements: office-based, remote, or hybrid.

We can divide the main objectives into two perspectives, from the company's point of view and the applicants’ point of view.

Company (recruitment team)

• Clearly explain the job duties and what is expected from the employee.
• Attract applicants who have the right skills and experience.
• Provide a benchmark for managers and HR to assess a new employee's performance against the responsibilities listed in the job description.
• Discourage those who are not suitable to apply.

Applicants

• Ensure the job matches their interests, skills, goals, and values
• See if their qualifications meet what the company expects.
• Provide a basic idea of what to expect in the interview, including potential questions about their experience and work philosophy.
• Use listed salary ranges to compare different roles in the industry and decide which ones to apply for.

A job description must highlight the company's expectations about the role and attract high-quality applicants at the same time. Below are some steps to create one:

Determine the needs and requirements for the role

Ask the existing employees about the knowledge, skills, abilities, environmental factors, and experience needed for the role. Check how every task on the role is being performed. Then, compile them into one document as a reference for creating the job descriptions.

Divide important information into sections

First, create the outline of the job descriptions into sections, which are a company overview, job summary, explanation of the required things (responsibilities, skills, and qualifications), employee benefits and perks, and disclaimers.

These tricks can help the applicants to read thoroughly and understand if the position is appropriate for them and attract them

Develop an effective job description

Well-written job description shows directly the company's ethos. So, create an engaging, comprehensive, and concise job description to demonstrate the company’s professionalism and credibility.

Use conversational language

You can reflect your employer branding in how you explain the job description. An engaging conversational explanation can make the applicants feel like the company directly talks to them.

You may use fun and witty copy, as long as it resonates with the employer branding.

Make it concise

A long-winded job description can make the applicants overwhelmed and less interested. Job seekers typically spend just 14.6 seconds reviewing the requirements or qualifications section of a job description.

Ensure the job description is short (around 300 words) and directly tells what are the qualifications, main responsibilities, benefits, etc. Job descriptions that are below 300 words get 8.4% more responses than those of average length. Use bullet points to make it easy to read, evenif the applicants only scan through.

Update regularly

Along the way, the qualifications or the main responsibilities gonna be improved due to the company’s business improvements. So, review the job descriptions periodically to make sure they reflect the role accurately.

It also can help the applicants to know the company’s expectations on the role compared to the latest job description updates.

Job responsibilities are specific tasks and duties that are part of the role. It provides clarity on what the job entails in practical terms. On the applicant's side, it can help them to understand their daily duties and objectives. Furthermore, it can be a guide for working performance and accountability in a role.

Wright State University shares about things that can be included in the job responsibilities, which are:

• Explanatory phrases which tell why, how, where, or how often the tasks and duties are performed.
• The outcome of tasks.
• Reference areas of decision-making, where one will influence or impact.
• Areas of direct or indirect accountabilities.
• The level and type of budgetary or financial responsibilities.
• The nature of contact, the people contacted, and the extent to which the incumbent will interact with others within and outside of the company.
• Job duties that reflect the position requirements and ensure they are not based upon the capabilities of any one individual.

Job descriptions provide a broad overview of the role, including general duties, qualifications, and other details. They serve to attract and inform applicants and set expectations for the role.

On the other hand, job responsibilities focus on the specific tasks and duties required in the role. Applicants can find detailed information on what the employee will be doing daily.

Generally, applicants can find the job responsibilities in the job descriptions but they only mention the most essential ones due to the length of the job descriptions.

As the job descriptions already made, it is not only to attract the best applicants but also used by employers to:

Set expectations

The examiners or the interviewers do not create the job description. When they interview someone, they need to see the job description to have a clear understanding of what the job entails, including the daily tasks, performance expectations, and goals.

Screening and selections

Aside from expectations, job descriptions are also used by employers to be a reference in the screening and selection processes. Employers use it to evaluate whether applicants meet the necessary qualifications and skills for the role.

Training and onboarding

Even after the offering stage passes, the job description still has a role both for employers and candidates. Employers can refer there again to create onboarding material. Candidates can understand their role better and align their performance with the expectations outlined.

Performance management

Job descriptions also provide a benchmark for performance evaluations. They outline the key responsibilities and goals, which can be used to assess an employee’s performance and guide career development discussion.

Legal compliance

Employers can ensure the company’s hiring practices are fair and compliant with employment laws through how the job description defines job requirements.

If it turns out the company asks the employer to do another task that is not mentioned in the job description, employers can bring it up to the legal and use the job description as proof.

Sometimes even though we are already fluent in creating job descriptions, we often make the mistakes below. These can probably be felt by those who are new to job description development.

Too lengthy

When you gather all the information about the role, you might feel that all of those things are important and you want to put it all in. A lengthy job description can make the applicants less interested and overwhelmed, and they won’t apply for the position.

So, keep the description concise and engaging to maintain applicants' interest and ensure they absorb key information.

Focusing only on the qualifications

There will be some tendency where a job description only mentions or is dominated by qualifications only. This doesn’t give clear information on what the applicants can expect in the role and what are the daily activities of the role.

Balance qualifications with information about the role’s main responsibilities, impact, and the benefits of working for your company.

Being too vague

General information can lead to misunderstandings and reduce trust in the company's credibility. Therefore, provide specific details about the role’s responsibilities and expectations to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity for potential applicants.

Overloading with jargons

Not all applicants have the same level of language literacy. If you use jargon, be prepared for the possibility that applicants may misunderstand the job description and decide not to apply.

Use clear and simple language to ensure the description is easily understood by all potential applicants.

Neglecting company culture

There are many considerations as to why an applicant wants to apply for a role. One of them was the company’s culture and environment. Include details about the company’s culture and values that will attract candidates who have a good cultural fit.

Below are some examples of the job description that you can use as benchmarks:

Front-End Engineer

Job Title: Front-End Engineer

Company Overview

At (company/organization name), we are dedicated to crafting innovative digital solutions that redefine user experiences. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, user-focused products, and we pride ourselves on creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

Job Summary

We are looking for a talented Front End Engineer to join our team. You will build and maintain responsive web applications that provide exceptional user experiences. Collaborating with designers and back-end developers, you’ll create seamless, visually appealing products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop responsive web applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Translate UI/UX designs into functional user interfaces.
• Optimize applications for speed and scalability.
• Ensure cross-browser compatibility and meet accessibility standards.
• Integrate APIs and services in collaboration with back-end developers.
• Troubleshoot and debug to enhance performance and user experience.
• Stay updated with the latest front-end technologies and best practices.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Front End Engineer or similar role with a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js).
• Experience with responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git) and build tools (e.g., Webpack).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Reporting To

Lead Front-End Developer

Employment Type

Full-time

Location

Office-based with hybrid work options in (city, country).

Benefits

• Competitive salary and bonuses
• Health and wellness benefits
• Professional growth opportunities
• Flexible hours and remote work options

How to Apply

Submit your resume and portfolio showcasing your work to (email address or any PIC contact number). We look forward to your application!

Social Media Specialist

Job Title: Social Media Specialist

Company Overview

Join (company/organization name) where we redefine how brands connect with people. We are not just another company; we are a vibrant community focused on crafting impactful social media experiences that resonate with our audience. Our commitment to innovation and engagement drives us to constantly explore new ways to make a difference in the digital landscape.

Job Summary

Are you a social media enthusiast with a knack for storytelling? We are looking for a Social Media Specialist who thrives on creating engaging content and driving brand success. You will be the voice behind our online presence, developing strategies that captivate and expand our audience. If you’re passionate about trends, analytics, and making a real impact, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute social media strategies to align with business objectives.
• Create and manage engaging content across various platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Monitor social media channels and engage with followers to build relationships.
• Analyze performance metrics to optimize strategies and report on campaign success.
• Stay current with industry trends and adapt strategies to keep our brand relevant.
• Essential Skills and Qualifications
• Proven experience as a Social Media Specialist or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms, tools, and best practices.
• Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use insights to drive decision-making.
• Creative thinking and a passion for storytelling.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field.

Reporting To

Marketing Manager

Employment Type

Full-time

Location

Work from the office, at (office name and address).

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Flexible working hours and remote work options

How to Apply

Please provide your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in social media management. Don’t forget to include links to your portfolio or examples of your most engaging social media content. Send them to (email address/PIC contact number).

We can’t wait to review your application!

Virtual Assistant

Job Title: Virtual Assistant

Company Overview

Welcome to (company/organization name), where we blend flexibility with professionalism to create a seamless virtual work environment. Our mission is to deliver exceptional administrative support and enhance organizational efficiency through our innovative remote team. Join us and contribute to our success story!

Job Summary

Join our team as a Virtual Assistant and become an integral part of our remote operations. You will take on diverse administrative tasks, including calendar management, email correspondence, and project coordination. If you are skilled at maintaining organization and enjoy working independently, we would love to have you on board.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and organize calendars, schedules, and appointments.
• Handle email correspondence and prioritize messages.
• Coordinate and assist with project management and administrative tasks.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation as needed.
• Conduct research and compile information to support decision-making.
• Provide general support to team members and clients as required.
• Essential Skills and Qualifications
• Proven experience as a Virtual Assistant or in a similar administrative role.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong proficiency in office software and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Zoom).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, or related field preferred.

Reporting To

Operations Manager

Employment Type

Full-time, Remote

Location

This is a remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses
• Flexible working hours
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive virtual team environment

How to Apply

Excited to join us? Send your resume along with a cover letter highlighting your virtual assistance experience. Include any relevant examples or case studies of your work to showcase your skills and expertise. Send them to (email address/PIC contact number).

We are looking forward to reviewing your application!

One of the keys to getting the best candidates for a vacant role is to give clear and concise job descriptions that mention various essentials such as requirements, skills, education, responsibilities, etc. That must be communicated in an engaging way to attract the applicants.

Hope this article helps. Good luck with creating your job descriptions!