Writing the Best Job Description

Writing the Best Job Descriptions

To compete with your niche’s best performers, companies must attract the top talent in your industry. Hiring a new staff member is a long-term investment—it’s essential to get the best possible applicants from the talent pool. Businesses spend thousands of dollars on recruiting new staff members, but they often overlook one of the most critical components of the process—job descriptions.

In this post, we’ll look at job descriptions and why they’re so important. We’ll also explore various ways you can ensure your job descriptions are effective at attracting the top talent in your niche.

Writing Effective Job Descriptions

 

You can increase the quality of your applicants if you write compelling job descriptions. A job description should include a concise and organized summary of the job role, your company, job expectations, required experience, and other vital details. You may also want to include information about compensation.

You should also make sure to have a concise, clear job description title. If you have a mediocre job title, you won’t get any responses to your description.

You should approach a job description using a developmental approach. Using a job description development that includes other members of your organization can help you improve the overall description. By seeking input from staff members who have previously filled the role, you can paint a better picture of the job and its requirements.

Best Practices for Writing Job Descriptions

 

If you want to write the best descriptions, it’s always a good idea to follow a few simple rules. There are tons of different practices you can use to write solid job descriptions. The rules below are a good starting point if you want an effective description.

Clear Language

In many cases, companies are getting too creative with their descriptions. By using creative language, a lot of organizations are making it hard for applicants to get a good idea of the job and its role. You should always avoid using language that confuses the applicant or creates an overly sales-oriented message.

Clear Description of Responsibilities

If applicants are looking at a multitude of different job descriptions every day, it’s crucial to provide them with the concise information they need to understand the role. If an applicant can’t paint a picture of the role in their head, they’re more likely to move on to the next description. By outlining direct responsibilities in clear language, you can help applicants determine if the role is a good fit.

Positive Touch

Many people make the mistake of being too blunt in job descriptions. If your job description comes across as arrogant or cynical, you may convey the wrong message about your company.

Some companies write job descriptions that specifically dismiss certain traits or experience levels. While this might seem practical, it can make your company look bad. Even people who meet your requirements may view the descriptions as callous or negative.

Information on Your Company 

Lastly, make sure to include clear information about your company and its various advantages. By adding this type of information, you’ll be able to show that the role is much more than ‘just a job—it’s also a ticket to working with a successful company. Include some highlights about your company and what it can provide its employees.

Job Description Disclaimer & Requirements by Law

 

In some cases, there may be specific legal requirements for job descriptions. Therefore, companies must be aware of those different requirements if they want to avoid potential issues. In fact, if you don’t follow specific rules when you compile your job descriptions, you may face a legal challenge.

While most of these rules are straightforward, it’s essential to keep things such as discriminatory language in mind. You should always check with your human resources department about the legality of your job descriptions to help reduce risk.

In some cases, you may even want to consult with a lawyer about any required disclaimers or requirements. Rules vary depending on state and local municipalities, so you’ll need to consider local regulations when you’re compiling your job descriptions.

Bad Job Description Examples

 

Lousy job descriptions come in a variety of different forms. In many cases, a wrong job description will upsell the job to entice applicants. In reality, many job seekers are adept at spotting these tactics and avoid jobs that use deceptive terminology.

A bad job description will promise a competitive salary without providing any concrete information about the role or company. Applicants are looking for clear information that allows them to assess the role and its suitability.

Other poor job descriptions will use excessive language that takes away from the reality of the position. Using jargon like ‘Killer Sales Agent’ takes away from the legitimacy of the description. It can be a significant turnoff for certain applicants.

As mentioned previously, too much negativity or smugness in the description can also lead to an ineffective description. Starting a description with something like ‘XXXX NEED NOT APPLY’ may help you weed out individual applicants, but it will also destroy your image as a positive or inclusive company.

Marketing Executive Job Description Sample

Before you start writing job descriptions, it’s always a good idea to look at examples of clear job descriptions. We’ve compiled an example description for a marketing executive. Check it out below:

Experienced Marketing Executive

XXXX is looking for an energetic and capable marketing executive with experience across a broad range of niches. Applicants should have at least three years of experience working in the marketing industry. We are searching for someone with excellent interpersonal skills—a willingness to develop long-term relationships with clients is a must.

Role Responsibilities

As a marketing executive, it will be your responsibility to manage a portfolio of clients and their projects. At XXXX, we work with long-term clients who require consistent marketing services. Your role will include:

  • Communicating with clients.
  • Assessing their needs and adjusting campaigns accordingly.
  • Liaising with the creative team about achieving client goals.
  • Managing communication with prospective new clients.
  • Providing clear and constant updates to senior staff.

Role Background Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university.
  • At least three years of experience in marketing.
  • Excellent written and oratory skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • A desire to grow.

About Our Company

At XXXX, we pride ourselves on facilitating an inclusive atmosphere that promotes individual and collective growth. We have over ten years of experience working with some of the industry’s most influential clients. Our talent retention rate is exceptionally high — we work diligently to provide our staff members with an environment they love to work in.

We engage in constant career building exercises and provide our staff with funding for external education. We offer unlimited vacation days, health and fitness subsidies, and clear opportunities for growth.