Job Description

What is a job description?

Job descriptions include, but aren’t limited to, a job title with a brief description of the role, a section that lists day-to-day responsibilities (typically formatted in bullet points), and then required qualifications such as education, experiences, skills, or certifications. The job responsibilities section should describe general duties.  

If applicable, job descriptions should also include the working conditions, for example, if the job requires an applicant to work outdoors, be exposed to potentially hazardous materials, require more significant physical effort, travel, and so on.

How does a good job description benefit applicants and employers?

Job descriptions include a short description of the company posting the role and frequently serve as a candidate’s general first impression. Job descriptions help applicants identify whether they meet the criteria required for the open role and whether or not the job responsibilities align with their career goals and interests. It helps hiring managers and recruiters find suitable candidates who can fill the skills they’re looking for.

How to write a job description

Typically, job descriptions are written collaboratively with input from hiring managers and recruiters. A well-written job description provides enough detail so candidates understand what’s required of the role and get a good sense of the company. Searching for a job description template, looking at some examples online, or reading tips for writing job descriptions can be a great starting point.