10 things all job descriptions should include  

When putting up a new job posting, you want to make sure the description has all the right components. It’s important that candidates have all the necessary information about the position to make the interview process as efficient as possible on both sides. 

Candidates are evaluating the company just as much as the hiring manager is evaluating the candidate. Keeping that in mind, you can tailor job listings to bring in the most qualified people suitable for the role.  

Here are 10 qualities your next job listing should include.  

Job title and summary  

These may seem obvious, but having a concise, descriptive job title can make all the difference. The job summary should be a brief, general overview of the position and its main responsibilities. 

Key responsibilities 

In this section, you can go into more detail about the duties and day-to-day responsibilities of the position. Touch on who the role reports to and communicates with daily, the types of projects the role will be handling, as well as what departments the role will work in conjunction with the most. 

Required skills and qualifications 

This should be a clear outline of the technical skills that are necessary to the functions of the role. Additionally, include soft skills that are critical for a candidate to possess.  

Desired attributes 

Listing desired attributes is less of a requirement, but it’s helpful to mention preferred qualities, such as communications skills or adaptability, to attract the right candidate.  

Salary range and benefits 

Transparency about compensation and the benefits you offer can help set expectations up front for the candidate. The number of job postings that include salary information rose from 18% in 2020 to 43% in 2022. If you cannot include specific details, provide an estimated salary range and basic benefit package information.  Several American cities, including New York City, now require employers to include salary in their job postings. 

Opportunities for growth  

This is beneficial for job seekers to see if your company offers room for advancement once a role is secured. For many candidates, they want to know that their new career won’t be stagnant and there are opportunities to advance their skill set. 

Location 

Is this a remote, hybrid, or on-site position? For many candidates, this is very important to know right off the bat so they can gauge if the potential commute and schedule will align with their expectations. If the role is on-site, include the office address.  

Flexibility  

If the position requires a candidate to be flexible with their hours, changing priorities, or environment, include that in the job description. It’s best to be up front about it to attract the most adaptable candidates.  

Company culture and values  

A brief look into the company’s culture and core values gives a candidate a chance to see if the role would be a good fit for them. A good career match includes more than just aligning on paper – a strong company culture is extremely valuable. 

Time management and prioritization  

If the role consists of multiple different functions and responsibilities, it’s important to list that in the description so a candidate knows they will have to possess strong time management skills.  

Including detailed examples in a job description helps candidates understand both the scope of the role and the work environment. Additionally, it can make your job description even more targeted and engaging for the right candidates, streamlining the hiring process.  

Looking to hire but not sure where to start? Addison Group can help. For more than 20 years, we’ve been matching top candidates with quality companies. Let’s talk about how our team of experts can work with you.