A job description summarizes the essential responsibilities, activities, qualifications and skills for a role. It may also outline the type of work to be performed and key company details, such as mission, culture and employee benefits. In addition, it often specifies to whom the position reports and the salary range.

An effective job description provides enough detail for candidates to determine if they’re qualified for the position.

A strong job description can also guide interviewers on what questions to ask and what skills to look for in candidates.

Use specific, relatable job titles and accurate key phrases to help your role stand out to external candidates.

Use clear, external-facing language to help job seekers easily understand the role. For example, use standard experience levels, such as “Senior” rather than “VI” or other terms people are less likely to be familiar with. Use inclusive language in your job description and revise terms that may be exclusionary to groups of people considering your opportunity.

Open with a strong, attention-grabbing summary that provides an overview of your company and expectations for the position. Engage your reader with details about what makes your company unique. Your job description is considered an introduction to your company and your employer brand.

Include details about your company culture to sum up why a candidate would love to work for you. Using a precise job location and postal code can help your job posting appear in more relevant job search.

Outline the primary responsibilities of the position and emphasize the duties that may be unique to your organization. For example, if you’re hiring for an “event management” position that requires social media expertise to promote events or write a social media policy, include this detail to help candidates understand the requirements and determine if they’re qualified.

Highlight the position’s day-to-day activities to help candidates understand the work environment and the responsibilities they will undertake. Detailed descriptions help candidates assess their fit and help you attract higher-quality applicants.

Consider distinguishing between day-to-day responsibilities and longer-term expectations or outcomes to help candidates understand both immediate and strategic aspects of the role.

Specify how the position fits into the organization by indicating who the job reports to and how the person will function within your organization. This may help candidates develop a broader understanding of how the role impacts the business.

Consider specifying education, previous job experience, certifications and technical skills required for the role. You may also include soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving that are relevant to the position.

Keeping your list of qualifications concise helps encourage more candidates to apply. Consider making years of experience and education “preferred” rather than required. Also, identify the required vs. preferred skills and qualifications for the role to encourage a more diverse or well-rounded pool of applicants to apply.

Consider including a salary or salary range since quality candidates search for opportunities that meet their compensation needs. Adding the salary band to your job description can help you stand out and attract best-fit candidates.

Several states require salary ranges in job postings for covered roles, but the exact rules vary by state and employer size. Before posting, be sure to check your local requirements.

List your top perks and benefits. A company’s benefits and perks can have a significant impact on a candidate’s decision to accept a job offer or not. You can encourage more of the right people to apply by sharing the attractive rewards and benefits you offer your employees, such as the following:

• Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
• Flexible hours
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Retirement savings plans (such as 401(k) matching)
• On-site perks such as snacks, meals or wellness spaces
• Remote work stipends (home office equipment or internet support)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave

“If your company has a more limited salary budget for the role but offers a great benefit package, this can be an equalizer for candidates. Benefits can also speak to the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing.”

—Joe Scotto, HR leader

An effective job description is a strategic hiring tool. It conveys culture, clarifies expectations and highlights benefits that matter. By combining precision with inclusivity and transparency, employers can attract candidates who align with their values and goals.

Once you’ve written your job description, you can post it directly on Indeed: How to Post a Job on Indeed: Employer Guide