The most important sections of a job description template

Templates can help create consistent job descriptions within job families facilitating simplicity when updating & creating job descriptions while ensuring critical information is always captured.

A good job description accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of a position, producing a realistic picture of the job. When well-written, a job description sets the foundation for talent recruitment, development, and retention. It clarifies the position's responsibilities, performance evaluation, and expected results. A clear and concise job description will help you stand out among your competitor and attract the most suitable candidates for the position.

How to Write a Job Description

All job descriptions are not the same and may not follow the same format; while the company bio and mission statement may stay the same for all positions, other sections of the job description should be uniquely tailored to the position. For instance, a job description for an entry-level position may focus on the passion and mentality of the ideal candidate. At the same time, a highly specialized role will detail the skills, certifications, and qualifications candidates should possess.

Job Description Sample Template

Since job descriptions are the first contact with potential candidates in the recruitment process, you need to set clear expectations, inform them about the position and company, and address the unanswered questions. The following sample template demonstrates the most important information to include in a job description.

[Job Title]

Formal industry titles that candidates typically search for, such as “Office Manager” or “Sales Associate.” Avoid unusual titles such as “The Office Handyman” or “Marketing Ninja" as they may confuse candidates looking to understand what the role entails. Also, when creating new titles, consult your job description catalog to avoid new titles being developed for titles already existing in your catalog.

[Reports To]

The [job title] reports to [position they will be reporting to] is a simple component but helpful for candidates to understand whom they will be working with regularly.

[Company’s Basic Information]

Pitch about your company in two to four sentences to inform the candidates of who you are and the kind of culture they will be working in. This section communicates your values, purpose, and what makes the company a good fit for the candidate. Keep this section short and enticing- you want to create excitement about your organization in the fewest words possible.

[Job Overview]/ [Expectations and Summary of Role]

Give an overview of the job in three to four sentences, how it fits into the organization, what success looks like, duration, and general work conditions. Indicate whether the job is full-time, part-time, contract, on-site, remote, or hybrid. Include any travel requirements, physical requirements, or weekend commitments. A clear description will discourage less-qualified candidates from applying, saving you time in reviewing the applications.

[Responsibilities and Duties]

Highlight the essential duties of the position based on importance. You may not have to mention every single task, but make sure you clearly communicate your expectations. Bullet points work well in this section, keeping them between 8 and 14 points. Start your sentences with verbs, write in complete sentences, use gender-neutral language, use the present tense, and use relevant keywords to help candidates find the posting.

[Qualifications]

Include the must-have and preferred (nice-to-have) skills needed to succeed in the position. Be specific on the required level of education, experience, personal characteristics, licenses, certifications, and physical abilities.

[Call to Action]

Ask potential employees to respond to the posting by filling out an application. You can specify the email address where they will send their documents or include a direct link for the application. Add the specific dates for deadlines, invitations to interviews, or possible start dates. Don't forget to include a call to action when posting on internal job boards as well. There likely are qualified candidates for the role right at your company.

Utilize Job Description templates for consistent, accurate JDs

By utilizing templates, your leadership team can ensure consistency across job families and job descriptions that convey key components of your role and company. With all stakeholders on the same page with JD design, your team will be most effective and efficient in your recruiting and employee development efforts.

Visit https://www.moshjd.com for access to free templates and to easily create custom JD templates right in the cloud!