Job Description Writer
Create inclusive, compelling job descriptions that attract top talent.
When to Use
- Writing a new job description
- Updating an existing role posting
- Making JDs more inclusive
- Optimizing for applicant conversion
- Ensuring compliance with hiring laws
Job Description Structure
Essential Sections
# [Role Title]
## About the Role
[2-3 sentences on impact and team context]
## What You'll Do
- [Responsibility 1 - action verb + outcome]
- [Responsibility 2]
- [Responsibility 3]
- [4-6 total responsibilities]
## What You'll Bring
**Required:**
- [Must-have skill/experience 1]
- [Must-have skill/experience 2]
- [Keep to 4-5 truly required items]
**Nice to Have:**
- [Preferred but not required 1]
- [Preferred but not required 2]
## What We Offer
- [Compensation range]
- [Key benefits]
- [Growth opportunities]
## About Us
[Brief company description + culture]
Inclusive Language Guidelines
Avoid Gendered Language
| Avoid | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| "He will manage..." | "You will manage..." |
| "Manpower" | "Workforce" or "Team" |
| "Chairman" | "Chair" or "Chairperson" |
| "Rockstar/Ninja/Guru" | "Expert" or "Specialist" |
Avoid Exclusionary Terms
| Avoid | Why | Use Instead |
|---|---|---|
| "Young and energetic" | Age discrimination | "Motivated" |
| "Digital native" | Age bias | "Proficient with technology" |
| "Culture fit" | Can mask bias | "Values alignment" |
| "Must have 10+ years" | Often unnecessary | "Significant experience in..." |
Reduce Unnecessary Requirements
Before (exclusionary):
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree required
- 5+ years experience required
- Must be willing to work 60+ hours
After (inclusive):
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated expertise in [skill]
- Ability to meet project deadlines with occasional extended hours
Role-Specific Templates
Engineering Role
## What You'll Do
- Design and implement [specific systems/features]
- Collaborate with [teams] to deliver [outcomes]
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical decisions
- Participate in code reviews and improve engineering practices
## What You'll Bring
**Required:**
- Strong programming skills in [languages]
- Experience building [type of systems]
- Ability to break down complex problems
- Clear communication skills
**Nice to Have:**
- Experience with [specific technology]
- Contributions to open source
- Background in [related domain]
Non-Technical Role
## What You'll Do
- Lead [function] initiatives that support [business goal]
- Partner with [stakeholders] to [achieve outcome]
- Develop and maintain [processes/relationships]
- Track and report on [metrics]
## What You'll Bring
**Required:**
- Experience in [function/industry]
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Collaborative approach to problem-solving
Compensation Transparency
Best Practices
## Compensation
- Base salary: $X - $Y (based on experience and location)
- Equity: [X shares / $Y value]
- Bonus: Up to X% of base salary
- Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401k matching
Location: [Remote / Hybrid / On-site in City]
Legal Requirements by Location
| Location | Requirement |
|---|---|
| California | Must include salary range |
| Colorado | Must include salary range |
| New York City | Must include salary range |
| Washington | Must include salary range |
| Connecticut | Must provide on request |
Quality Checklist
- Role title is clear and searchable
- Responsibilities focus on outcomes, not tasks
- Requirements distinguish must-have vs nice-to-have
- Language is gender-neutral
- No unnecessary degree requirements
- Years of experience are reasonable
- Salary range is included (where required)
- Company culture is authentically represented
- Application process is clear
SEO Optimization
Title Best Practices
- Use standard job titles (searchable)
- Include level (Senior, Lead, Principal)
- Avoid internal jargon
Good: "Senior Software Engineer - Backend" Bad: "Code Wizard Level III"
Keywords to Include
- Role-specific skills
- Industry terms
- Tools and technologies
- Team/department name
Best Practices
- Lead with impact - What will this person accomplish?
- Be specific - Vague JDs attract vague candidates
- Keep it scannable - Bullets, not paragraphs
- Show growth - Where can this role lead?
- Be honest - Overselling leads to turnover
- Update regularly - Stale JDs attract wrong candidates
