Job Description Example and Format: Attract The Right Candidates

To attract the best candidates for a role, your job description should include:

Job Title

The first thing you should have in an effective job description format is the job title. Make sure to use a job title that is concise and clearly points at the purpose and scope of the job.

Also, use industry terms like “Sales Associate” and “Office Manager” that candidates would normally search for, instead of “Sales ninja” or “The Office Handyman.” Otherwise, you’d come up empty when top candidates don’t find your job description or are turned off by your quirky language.

Company’s Basic Information

To drive interest in the right candidates, consider pitching about your organization in two to four sentences. Stir them up for an in-depth search of who you are, what your culture is and what it would be like to work with you.

Here’s your opportunity to brag about the benefits and perks of joining you. So let your job description directly communicate your purpose, values and what makes you a good fit for candidates.

Expectations and Summary of Role

In three to four sentences, give an overview of the job, how it fits into the organization and elements relating to its type, condition, duration and general work conditions. Having these in the job description format discourages less-qualified candidates from applying, thereby, saving you time.

Let candidates know whether the job is part-time, full-time or contract, or remote, on-site or hybrid. And if there are any physical requirements, travel requirements or weekend commitments, mention them.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

To attract the right candidates, highlight the essential functions of the job. You don’t need to mention every single task, you only need an overview to communicate your expectations, so bullet points will do the trick.

You can also list details in order of importance. A good rule of thumb is eight to 14 points, with each point telling the purpose as well as the outcome. Also, consider using relevant keywords so that candidates find your posting.

Necessary Qualifications and Skills

A winning job description format includes both must-have skills and nice-to-have (or preferred) skills needed to succeed in the role. Specify required or preferred education or knowledge level, certifications, qualifications, personal characteristics, physical abilities and years of experience.

It will help potential applicants to gauge their skills and experience and decide whether or not they should apply. But remember to separate the required skills or qualifications from the preferred or desirable ones, so you don’t miss the right candidates because of the flexible skills they lack.

Call to Action

To get potential employees responding to your job posting, you need to ask them to fill out an application. Make the application process easy by including a direct link or specifying the email address where they are to send their documents. You can add specific dates for deadlines, interviews or possible start dates, too.

Also, clarify the application requirement. Should the candidate include a résumé, cover letter or portfolio?

Job Title: Human Resources Manager

Company’s Basic Information

ABC Company is a leading global ICT solutions provider, with a dedication to customer-centric innovation. Through strong partnerships and teamwork, we have established capabilities across several carrier networks and cloud computing fields.

We are recruiting to fill the position below.

Role Summary

A human resources manager with people management skills and the ability to carry out duties in a way that promotes employee welfare and the company’s growth. This full-time position is available on site in Kansas City, with an annual salary in the range of $70,000 to $80,0000. Base pay depends on job-related skills, knowledge and experience, and the role is eligible for a discretionary bonus, in addition to a comprehensive benefits package.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops, organizes and directs the activities of the Human Resources department
• Oversees staff welfare, attendance and absence
• Coordinates recruitment efforts, including drafting job description formats, placing job ads and interviewing candidates
• Conducts employee orientation and staff development programs
• Maintains and revises the organization’s policies and procedures
• Prepares periodic management reports to track the accomplishment of the organization’s goals
• Conducts annual salary surveys and analyzes and revises organization’s compensation programs
• Coordinates and prepares employment contracts, payroll requirements, insurance brokerage, pension administration and notices of termination
• Oversees workplace conflict resolution processes
• Promotes the health and safety of the workforce

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or personnel management
• At least three years in human resources management
• In-depth knowledge of labor law and HR best practices
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, communication skills and an ethical mindset
• Active listening, presentation and conflict resolution skills
• Broad knowledge of HR policies, metrics, systems and databases
• Familiarity with HR software

To apply, submit your cover letter and résumé by April 10, 2024.

When drafting your job description, follow these tips to get ahead of your competition and attract the right candidates.

• Use headings, bullets and lists to aid information scanning
• Write in simple words
• Avoid gender-specific words like “he” or “she”
• Omit trivial or occasional tasks, instead, focus on essential duties
• Include only current duties
• Reevaluate and update job description format to fit specific roles
• Involve current employees to determine necessary skills
• Include compensation plan to stand out from competitors
• Mention benefits and perks like employee discount, insurance, paid time off and tuition reimbursement
• Avoid communicating your job opening on Fridays or during the weekend