Use a standard, searchable job title; open with a short summary; list the most important duties first; separate must-have from nice-to-have qualifications; describe the real schedule and work environment; include a pay range; and add an equal opportunity statement. Keep requirements job-related.
The essential sections
- Job title: the title candidates actually search for
- Summary, two or three sentences on the role and why it matters
- Responsibilities, five to eight bullets, most important first
- Required qualifications, only what’s truly needed on day one
- Preferred qualifications: helpful extras
- Work environment and schedule: physical demands, shifts, travel
- Pay and benefits: a realistic range
- Equal opportunity statement
Tips that improve applicant quality
- Use standard titles. “Medical Assistant” beats creative titles candidates don’t search for.
- Describe a real day. Honest descriptions help candidates self-select, reducing early turnover.
- Trim requirements. Long lists of “requirements” discourage qualified people, especially career changers.
- Include pay. Postings with pay ranges tend to attract more applicants, and a growing number of states and cities (including California, Colorado, Illinois, New York and Washington) require them.
- Mention training. Structured onboarding and training broaden your applicant pool.
Legal basics
- Keep requirements job-related and consistent with business necessity.
- Avoid language that signals preferences based on age, sex, religion, national origin or other protected characteristics (for example, “young and energetic” or “native English speaker”).
- Note that reasonable accommodations are available.
- Follow fair-chance hiring rules in jurisdictions that limit criminal-history questions on applications.
Start from a template
We publish free, copy-ready job description templates for 709 roles with BLS pay guidance: such as warehouse associate and pharmacy technician.
Frequently asked questions
Should job descriptions include salary?
Including a pay range generally improves applicant volume and quality, and it is legally required in a growing number of states and cities.
How long should a job description be?
Long enough to be clear, usually 300 to 700 words. Put the most important information first.
Keep reading
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