Job descriptions play a crucial role in the hiring process. It's the first information that candidates receive about a potential role. So, if you've been charged with writing a job description, make sure that it's on point. In this guide, we share a job description template and example, with expert writing tips to get you started.

What is a job description for?

Before we take a look at the job description template, let's talk about why you might need to write a job description in the first place.

From a hiring manager or recruiter's perspective, writing a job description is necessary to target the right candidates for a job. Hence, these descriptions are often straightforward and typically cover the following:

• The job title, start date, the company, and location

• The required qualifications, skills, and experience

• Preferred skills and experience

• The salary and compensation package

• Additional details (e.g. who the applicant will report to)

Why use a job description template?

All of the above information is vital for candidates applying for roles. Put simply, they need to understand the scope of the job before they invest time in submitting an application. Ideally, they'll also use it to tailor their CV to the role at hand.

However, as you might imagine, not everyone knows how to write a job description, and creating one from scratch can be time-intensive. For that reason, many employers and HR teams choose to use a job description template. With it, all a hiring manager has to do is fill out the needed information specified in fields and hit that “save” button.

Simple job description template

To help you explain a role for a job vacancy advert, below's a job description template you can use. Of course, you can tweak this job specification template, such as adding extra sections. e.g. essential criteria, to suit your needs.

Company: Full company name and location.

Job title: Formal job title.

Reporting to: Name and position.

Application deadline: Date of deadline.

Provisional start date: Proposed date.

Overview: Write a brief overview of the business and the position. Include the main duties that the candidate will need to complete (note: you will also outline these below).

Responsibilities: Specify the core tasks in bullet points. These should include anything that the successful candidate will have to do on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Qualifications and skills: Include expertise candidates must have.

Preferred skills: Add any skills and expertise that are preferred but not essential.

Compensation: Include not only the salary but also any additional benefits.

Job description example

The following job description sample shows how you might use the above template to create an SEO specialist description:

Company: Matrix Inc., Leeds

Job title: SEO Specialist

Reporting to: The successful candidate will report to Mark Hudgens, Content Lead.

Application deadline: 24th May

Provisional start date: 1st July

Overview:

Matrix Inc. is a leading content marketing agency based in Leeds. We are seeking a full-time SEO specialist to join us in delivering results-driven content strategies. Reporting to the content lead, the successful candidate will be responsible for optimising all client content to improve its ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth keyword research

• Analyse competitor optimisation tactics

• Develop SEO-driven content strategies

• Monitor client website's backlink profiles

• Deliver monthly SEO analytical reports

Qualifications and skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Communication, Marketing, or related subject

• 4 years experience as an SEO Specialist

• Proficient in Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush

• Strong analytical skills and report creation

Preferred skills:

• Understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)

• Editing and proofreading competencies

Compensation:

• £40,000 pro rata

• Company pension scheme

• 28 days' annual leave

• On-site gym

• Bike hire scheme

5 tips for writing a concise job description

While the job description template covers what you need to include, chances are you also need some writing tips. Here are some expert-backed pointers for creating a concise job specification document:

1. Avoid unnecessary fluff

Spoiler: writing a job description isn't a creative writing project. When writing one, you need to get straight to the point. If you're guilty of writing too much, that means that you may well have to edit back. Start by drafting the description and then take out any unnecessary fluff.

2. Include relevant company details

One of the biggest mistakes that hiring managers make when writing job descriptions is writing too much about the business. Yes, the candidates need an overview, but keep it short and sweet.

If in doubt, cover only the basics: what your business is called, what it does (i.e. its main output), and where it is located. Savvy applicants will dig deeper and do their own research before they apply for the job. You don't need to cover everything up-front.

3. Use the right headings

Clarity is everything. As you can see from our job description template, using the right headings is a must. You can follow the outline we've shared here or create your own headings. What's important is that candidates understand what each piece of information is all about.

4. Format it for the job board

Different job boards use different formats. Before you post a vacancy online, make sure that you understand the website criteria – they might have a predesigned structure that you need to adhere to. It's smart to do your homework and take a look at other job adverts on the page; doing so can save you time and energy later on.

5. Use clear, simple language

Instead of bamboozling candidates with jargon and doublespeak, make sure that your job description is easy to read. Stick to simple language and terms. As shared by the late author George Orwell in his six writing rules, “Never use a long word where a short one will do.”

Bonus: writing a job description when you're a job applicant

As a job seeker, you may also find yourself needing to craft a short job description during a job application.

Some employers, as part of their application process, may ask you to upload your CV plus briefly describe your present and previous roles on their application form or pages (“Tell us about your role,” “Describe your role and responsibilities,” etc.). These descriptions are expected to be short and are often only a paragraph long.

Here's a simple job description template that you may use in such cases:

As the company's [job title] reporting to the [direct supervisor's position], I am primarily responsible for [overview of role / key output]. My day-to-day work involves [major tasks].

Sample job description for an application:

As the company's SEO specialist reporting to the content lead, I am primarily responsible for optimising all client content to improve its ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs). My day-to-day work involves conducting in-depth keyword research, analysing competitor optimisation tactics, and developing SEO-driven content strategies.

Get ready to write

By this point, you should feel prepared to write a stellar job description. While this task can feel overwhelming at first, follow a straightforward structure and you'll be fine. Use our job description template and take note of the writing tips we've outlined here to perfect your next job description.

Job descriptions are essential to any applicant's job-search success. When looking for your next role, make sure to tailor your CV to your target job's specifications. Not sure how? Get the competitive edge by using our free CV review tool now.

Recommended reading:

• 5 red flags to look out for in job descriptions

• The best skills to include in your CV (with examples)

• 27 great CV summary examples to get hired