How to Write Great Job Descriptions on Indeed

Your job title and description play a major role in encouraging the right candidates to apply. When you provide the information candidates are looking for in an easy-to-read format, you’re likely to capture the attention of job seekers.

What to include

We know exactly what job seekers are looking for in a job description. How? Because we asked them! We’ve listened to millions of job seekers and compiled a list of what they’re searching for when they click your job post.

Here’s the top 6 items to include in your job description:

• Pay range
• Benefits
• Shift info
• Location (or remote)
• Required qualifications
• Type of job: full-time or part-time

Think like a job seeker

At Indeed, we know job seekers. And we can help you think like a job seeker so your job post really speaks to them.

In general, the average job seeker is short on time. They’re looking for jobs on their breaks and after dinner. The simpler and easier-to-read you can make your job post, the more likely you are to attract the right candidates.

Here are a few best practices to follow:

• Break up text into bite-size 3-4 sentence paragraphs
• Keep your vocabulary simple enough for anyone to understand
• Use lists (bullet points) to make info easy to scan

Job Title

A great job title is one that a job seeker would search for. It should be a straightforward, industry-standard term.

For example, “Customer Service Representative” is a common job title for someone who answers customer questions. While you might be tempted to use a more eye-catching job title like “Phone Answering Superstar”, job seekers just aren’t searching for that term on Indeed.

Instead, stick to job titles that job seekers will find. When you stick to standard job titles, you’ll reach more quality candidates.
 

Job Description

Candidates respond best to job descriptions that are written in an upbeat, conversational tone. But it should also sound professional. It’s also best to use common language and refrain from using too much jargon.

We recommend structuring your job description with the 3 R’s:

1. Requirements. Start with your requirements and qualifications. By keeping it at the top, job seekers can quickly determine whether or not they have the background needed to be considered for the job.Requirements can include qualifications, degrees, certifications, language fluencies, or anything else that’s absolutely necessary.
2. Responsibilities. Next, talk about what day-to-day life will be like for the person who’s hired for the job. This can be anything from specific tasks to overall employee goals.
3. Rewards. End with compensation, perks, and benefits of the role. Pay range is especially important for a job post––in fact, job seekers say it’s the number one thing they look for.

Make sure to include any other benefits your company might offer. Is your office dog-friendly? Include it. What about a work-from-home policy?

Sample job description templates

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. Check out the sample job descriptions at the bottom of the page for the jobs we see every day on Indeed. Use them as a foundation for writing a job post of your own.

A-C    D-H    I-L    M-P    Q-S    T-Z

Indeed’s Client Services team can help you plan and make adjustments to your job titles and descriptions to help you maximize your hiring results.

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