How to Write a Job Description (with Free Template)
8 min read
A good job description does two jobs at once: it attracts the right people and screens out the wrong ones. Vague, generic descriptions pull in a flood of mismatched applications; a clear, specific one gets you fewer but far better candidates. Here's how to write one, with a template you can copy.
Start with a clear, searchable job title
Use the title candidates actually search for, not an internal or clever one. "Marketing Manager" will be found; "Marketing Ninja" or "Growth Wizard" won't. A clear title also helps your ad rank in Google and on job boards.
Structure it so it's easy to scan
- A short intro: who you are and why the role matters.
- Responsibilities: 5–8 bullet points on what they'll actually do.
- Requirements: split into must-haves and nice-to-haves — be honest about which is which.
- What you offer: salary range, benefits, flexibility, growth.
- How to apply and what happens next.
Lead with what the candidate gets, not just what you need
The best candidates have options. Spend as much energy selling the role — the impact, the team, the growth, the pay — as you do listing requirements. Include a salary range: ads with pay attract significantly more applications and build trust.
Keep the requirements list short and honest
Long "essential" lists scare off strong applicants, especially women and under-represented groups who tend not to apply unless they meet every point. Keep must-haves to the genuine few, and move everything else to "nice to have."
Copy this template
[Job Title] [Company] · [Location / Remote] · [Full time] ABOUT THE ROLE [1–2 sentences on the role and the impact it has.] WHAT YOU'LL DO • [Responsibility] • [Responsibility] • [Responsibility] WHAT YOU'LL BRING Must have: • [Requirement] • [Requirement] Nice to have: • [Requirement] WHAT WE OFFER • Salary: [range] • [Benefit / flexibility / growth] HOW TO APPLY Apply with your resume — we review every application and reply within [timeframe].
Before you post
- Read it as a candidate — would you apply?
- Cut jargon and internal acronyms.
- Add the salary range.
- Proofread, then post it where the right people will see it.