How To Write a Job Description (With Template and Example)

Writing strong job descriptions can help you fill open positions and attract the best employees to your company. Job descriptions show job candidates the information they need to know about the position. If you're responsible for writing a job description, there are key steps to follow and important components to include. In this article, we discuss what a job description is, provide a step-by-step process for how to write one, and share both a job description template and examples to guide you in writing your own.

What is a job description?

A job description is a written description of a job that serves to provide a job candidate with the information they need to know about the job they're applying for. The purpose of a job description is to list the main duties and responsibilities of a job, as well as the qualifications candidates, must have. The key components of a job description are:

• Job title: The job title is one of the most important parts of the job description, as it lets employees know what their title would be in the role. It also suggests some of the position's basic responsibilities.

• Duties: Duties and responsibilities are also important to include in a job description. In this section, list the regular tasks of the job and any travel responsibilities.

• Education and experience requirements: If a job has minimum education or experience requirements, it's important to include these in the job description to ensure candidates meet them.

• Skills: You can also include a list of hard or soft skills that you are looking for in a candidate.

• Salary range: If you would like, you can include a salary range in your job description. This is optional, but it can help attract more job candidates.

• Company description: Many companies also include a company description to help candidates gauge whether the company and its organizational culture are the right fit for them.

Job descriptions can also be a tool that companies can use to attract the best candidates to fill their positions. Therefore, it's important for job descriptions to be well written and entice suitable candidates to apply.

Related: What's the Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills?

How to write a job description

Once you know the key components of an effective job description, you can start writing your own. Here are eight steps you can follow when learning how to write a job description:

1. Talk to people in the position

If you're creating a job description for an existing position, the first step you can take to develop a job description is talking to people currently in the role. You can ask them to describe their job responsibilities, qualifications, and anything else that they think other aspiring professionals might want to know about their jobs. This can help you get inside knowledge to add to your job description to make it as thorough as possible.

2. Meet with HR

You can also meet with your human resources (HR) team to learn more about the position. HR representatives typically know the specific requirements and details necessary to include in a job description, including salary ranges and company information. You can ask them questions and use their guidance to help you write a comprehensive job description.

If you are a member of the HR team, speak to the department head or supervisor of the vacant position to develop an effective description together.

3. Craft a job title

After you've learned more about the job, you can craft a job title. The job title is crucial, as a candidate can learn a lot about a role from the job title, and many candidates also search for job openings by job title. Therefore, it's important to develop a specific, accessible job title. You can collaborate with your HR department and people currently working in the role to create the most appropriate title. Try to keep it clear and concise, and aim for only a few words in length. Some example job titles are:

• Project Manager

• Software Developer

• High School English Teacher

• Registered Nurse

If you would like, you can also include a position summary underneath the job title. The position summary can also be brief and simply describe an overview of the position. This can help candidates get an idea of a position before they read the job details and start their application.

Related: 170 Job Titles for Your Resume

4. Make a list of job responsibilities

Another important step in creating a job description is making a list of the top responsibilities of the job. Most job descriptions list job responsibilities in bullet lists, as this can help keep them organized and easy to read. Be sure to start each bullet point with an action verb, as this can help the candidate gauge exactly what they can expect to do in the position.

In the responsibilities section of your job description, try to use clear language and avoid unnecessary words or filler. If possible, try to focus the responsibilities that you list on how the employee can grow and develop in the position, as this can entice candidates to apply for the job.

Related: Defining Team's Roles and Responsibilities

5. List important qualifications

Be sure to list any required qualifications for job candidates. You can list qualifications in a bullet list to make it easy for candidates to scan through the list and see if they meet the qualifications to apply for the job. Be sure to include education, experience, certifications, licenses, or any other qualifications that are essential for the role.

6. Include desired skills

You can also include the skills that you desire from job candidates in your job description. You can include both hard skills and soft skills, and you can also separate your skills into required and preferred skills. Typically, job descriptions list skills in bullet lists to keep them clean and organized.

Related: Transferable Job Skills You Need for Any Industry

7. Write a company description

Another important step is writing a company description. Developing a well-written company description can attract more candidates to the position. Be sure to include information about your company's work environment, culture, and perks that employees can enjoy. This section can be very brief, and you can write it in a few sentences rather than as a bulleted list.

8. Review and publish

After you've written your job description, it's time to review and publish it. Before publishing your job description, be sure to proofread it thoroughly and correct any errors in spelling, grammar, or information. If you would like, you can ask the people you previously talked to for feedback on the job description. This can help you spot any issues that you missed or anything else you need to include.

Once you've carefully edited your job description, you can publish it. You can publish your job description on job search sites, social media, your website, and other places to draw in applications.

Job description template

Here is a template you can use to help you write a great job description:

[JOB TITLE]
[Job title] is responsible for several duties at [company name], including [position overview].
RESPONSIBILITIES

• [Responsibility]

• [Responsibility]

• [Responsibility]

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• [Education]

• [Experience]

• [Other required qualifications]

REQUIRED SKILLS

• [Skill]

• [Skill]

• [Skill]

PREFERRED SKILLS

• [Skill]

• [Skill]

• [Skill]

ABOUT [COMPANY NAME]
[Company name] is a [adjective] place to work, full of [description of employees]. Our company culture [description of company culture]. We enjoy [perks and benefits of working for the company].

Job description examples

You can review these job description examples to guide you in using our template to write your own job descriptions:

Example 1: Middle School Teacher

Here is an example job description for a middle school teacher position:

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

The middle school teacher is responsible for many different duties at Hope Middle School, including preparing lesson plans and teaching several classes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Teaching several classes to middle school students

• Preparing lesson plans

• Monitoring student progress and helping them meet their goals

• Meeting with parents and other teachers

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in education

• One year of classroom experience or student teaching

• Valid teaching license

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Classroom management

• Lesson planning

• Communication

• Organization

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Technology

• Special education

ABOUT HOPE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Hope Middle School is a vibrant place to work full of dedicated teachers and students. Our company culture fosters strong relationships and meaningful work. Our team enjoys generous time off and other perks.

Example 2: Marketing Manager

Here is an example job description for a marketing manager position:

MARKETING MANAGER

The marketing manager performs many duties at Engage Toronto, including designing innovative marketing campaigns for our clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meeting with clients to develop marketing plans

• Designing innovative and effective marketing campaigns

• Monitoring the progress of marketing campaigns

• Collaborating with other marketing team members

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field

• At least two years of marketing experience

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Inbound marketing

• Search engine optimization

• Communication

• Organization

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Leadership

• Social media management

ABOUT ENGAGE TORONTO

Engage Toronto is an innovative place to work full of passionate marketing professionals. Our company prides itself on its dedication and support for our clients. We enjoy a fun work environment and paid volunteer days.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions, or organizations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Related: Job Description vs. Job Specification: A Definitive Guide