Let’s be honest first impressions matter. And when it comes to hiring, your job description is your company’s first handshake with potential candidates. If it’s unclear, boring, or vague, you’re not just losing applicants you’re losing the right applicants. The best talent won’t waste time on job postings that don’t grab their attention or provide clarity on what to expect.
So, how do you create job descriptions that stand out, speak to the right people, and make them want to apply?
Let’s break it down.
1. Pick a Job Title That Makes Sense
Your job title is the first thing people see, and if it doesn’t make sense, they’re scrolling past. Keep it clear and simple. Don’t use unknown titles just to seem more relevant. Use industry-standard terms so job seekers know exactly what the role is about.
❌ Marketing Champion
✅ Marketing Coordinator
❌ Tech Wizard
✅ Software Engineer
If you’re hiring for a specialised role, add a keyword that describes it more precisely. For example, instead of just Content Writer, go for SEO Content Writer if SEO expertise is crucial.
2. Make It Inclusive (Because Nobody Likes Being Left Out)
Words matter. Research shows that biased language in job descriptions can discourage qualified candidates from applying. Avoid age-specific terms like “young and energetic” or gendered pronouns like ‘he/she.’ Instead, use inclusive, neutral phrasing that welcomes all qualified candidates. Keep it neutral and welcoming.
❌ “We need a young, energetic sales associate.”
✅ “We’re looking for a passionate and motivated sales associate.”
Small tweaks like replacing he/she with they make a big difference. And if diversity and inclusion are core values at your company, say so!
3. List Responsibilities (No Mystery Jobs, Please)
Nobody wants to apply for a job without knowing what they’ll actually be doing. Be specific, but avoid overwhelming candidates with an exhaustive list of tasks. Focus on the top 5-7 key responsibilities and break them down in a way that’s easy to skim.
✅ “Manage social media accounts, including content creation and scheduling.”
✅ “Assist customers via email, chat, and phone.”
Use bullet points to keep things clean and scannable. People will lose interest if your job description is just a giant text block.
4. Talk About Salary & Perks (Yes, People Care About This)
Salary transparency is a game-changer. Candidates want to know if the job is worth their time before applying. If you can’t provide an exact figure, at least give a salary range.
✅ “Salary range: ₹50,000–₹60,000 per year (depending on experience).”
✅ “Competitive salary + performance bonuses.”
And don’t forget the perks! Highlight things like:
- Health insurance
- Work-from-home options
- Paid time off (PTO)
- Bonuses and incentives
- Flexible work hours
A solid benefits package can make a job posting way more attractive.
5. Show Off Your Company Culture (Because People Want to Belong)
A job isn’t just about tasks it’s about the team, values, and environment. Candidates want to know if they’ll fit in. Studies show that employees who resonate with company culture are more engaged and stay longer. Use this section to showcase what makes your workplace special.
Keep it authentic.
✅ “We believe in collaboration, innovation, and supporting our employees’ growth. We host monthly team outings, provide mentorship programs, and encourage a healthy work-life balance.”
If your company has a unique culture, remote work opportunities, or team bonding activities, mention them! Candidates want to see if they’ll fit in.
6. Make It Easy to Apply
Don’t make candidates jump through unnecessary hoops. Keep the application process simple and clear. If there’s a specific way to apply, spell it out:
✅ “To apply, send your resume and a short cover letter to careers@company.com.”
✅ “Apply directly through our website by clicking ‘Apply Now.’”
If your hiring process involves multiple steps (like a skills test or interview rounds), mention it briefly so candidates know what to expect.
7. Optimise for SEO (So People Actually Find Your Job Posting)
If you’re looking for tips on how to create job descriptions that rank higher on job boards and search engines, keep these SEO best practices in mind. Your job description should be easy to find online. Use relevant keywords throughout the post to boost visibility on job boards and search engines.
For example, if hiring a ‘Customer Support Associate,’ check job boards to see what titles similar roles use. Candidates often search for ‘Customer Service Representative’ or ‘Customer Support Executive,’ so including these variations improves visibilityBonus tip: To maximise reach, post your job opening on multiple platforms, such as LinkedIn, job boards, and your company website.
8. Get Help from HR Experts (Because Sometimes, You Need Experts + Resources)
Hiring the right talent isn’t always easy. If you’re struggling, permanent staffing services or HR consultancies can help. CIEL HR, one of the best HR consultancies in India, can offer their guidance. They have access to pre-screened candidates and can refine your job descriptions to attract top talent. Plus, they can provide insights on market salary trends, helping you stay competitive.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Clear, Honest, and Engaging
At the end of the day, a job description isn’t just a list of tasks—it’s an invitation. It’s your way of saying, “Hey, we’re looking for someone awesome. Is that you?”
If you’re still asking yourself, ‘How do you create a job description that genuinely works? Just remember that clarity, engagement, and honesty go a long way. Most importantly, it makes candidates excited to apply. Because when you put thought into your job descriptions, you attract people who are just as happy to work with you.
Now, write that awesome job description and bring the best talent to your team!
