As a small or medium-sized business owner or Hiring Manager seeking to fill an open position, crafting job descriptions is a critical task in the recruiting process that should not be overlooked. Job descriptions will serve as a crucial element of your job ad and play a vital role in attracting potential candidates to your vacancy. A well-crafted job description can not only generate a larger pool of applicants but can also ensure that the candidates who apply possess the necessary qualifications, experience, and industry expertise.
A job description that is too brief may not be taken seriously or provide sufficient information to give job seekers a fundamental understanding of the job purpose and job opening or determine if it is a suitable match for them. On the other hand, if job descriptions are too lengthy, they may be overlooked, and the job's key facts and purpose could become buried in a sea of text. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance and create job descriptions that are concise and informative.
In this article, we delve into:
- The ideal length of job descriptions
- Job title length
- How long should a job summaries be?
- How many job responsibilities and necessary skills should job posts have?
- How long should job ads be?
- Job post and job description samples
The ideal length of Job Descriptions
If you want to attract top talent to your job opening, crafting an engaging job description is key. Your job descriptions should be detailed enough to give job seekers a clear understanding of the role, but not so long that it becomes tedious to read. Generally, 300-500 words, half an A4 sheet, or one or two screen lengths is the sweet spot.
To make your job description even more effective, use a format that is easy to read and follow. Divide the content into clear sections, such as job titles, job summary, job responsibilities, required knowledge, and nice to have skills. Utilize bullet points and short paragraphs to make the information more digestible.
Remember to keep your audience in mind. Avoid using internal jargon or complex industry terms that might confuse or deter the best candidates. By following the word count and these basic principles, you can create a job description that is both informative and engaging, and that will attract top talent to your job opening.
Job Title length
Your job title is the first thing a potential candidate sees when scrolling through job listings, and it needs to make an impact. A great title should accurately reflect the role while grabbing the attention of top talent. Short and sweet is the name of the game here - job titles that are one to three words and less than 20-25 characters are more likely to catch the eye of future employees.
In fact, according to a recent survey, over a third of job seekers base their application decision solely on the job title. That's why it's crucial to take the time to do some keyword research and choose a title that resonates with your target audience. Make a list of high-volume keywords for the jobs in each department, and steer clear of vague terms that may confuse or turn off potential candidates.
If you're still unsure about how to craft the perfect job title, check out our job description job title insights and guidance. With the right title, you and your career site will be well on your way to attracting the top talent you need to take your business to the next level.
How long should Job Summaries be?
If you want to attract the best candidates to your job opening, your job summary needs to pack a punch. Keep it short and sweet - between 100-150 words or 2-3 sentences. You don't want to bore potential candidates with lengthy paragraphs that may go unread.
The job summary is your chance to grab job seekers' attention and entice them to read on. Highlight key details such as the job location or if it is remote, top perks, reporting structure, unique aspects of the role, and any relevant details about the work environment.
Remember, the responsibilities section is where you'll list out the nitty-gritty details of the job duties. So, reserve your job summary for the most important and attention-grabbing information. With a well-crafted job summary, you'll be well on your way to hiring the best qualified candidates to your job opening.
How many Job Responsibilities and Necessary Skills should Job Posts have?
If you want to attract top people to your position, you need to provide a clear and comprehensive list of job responsibilities. Dedicate another 100-150 words to this section, ensuring that the best candidates have a very thorough knowledge and understanding of the essential activities they'll be responsible for.
Make sure to include must-have qualifications and specific skills to ensure that your future employee can handle the technical aspects of the role. Employers and companies should also consider mentioning desirable personality traits and any essential physical requirements for operations performed, such as standing for long periods.
To find your ideal candidate, consider creating a list of must-have and nice-to-have education and skills. This list should use 7-8 bullet points to give a clear and visible snapshot of the job, and must have skills, including technical certifications, bachelor's degrees, problem-solving skills, working knowledge, or mastery of a particular subject.
With a clear and detailed responsibilities section, coupled with a well-crafted list of must-have and nice-to-have qualifications, you'll be sure to attract top prospects to your job opening.
How long should Job Ads be?
Ready to turn your job description into an attention-grabbing job ad? Just add an extra 100 words, and you'll be good to go!
Your job ad should give candidates a clear understanding of your company and what you have to offer. Include essential details such as the salary range, company name, and whether the job is full-time or part-time, temporary or permanent. Make sure to also highlight what makes your company unique with a company description that showcases your values, organization’s mission, and culture.
To learn more about how to write an effective job ad, check out our helpful guide on the difference between a job description and a job advert.
With complete mastery of a well-crafted job ad that includes all the important details, you'll attract top candidates who are excited about the opportunity to join your team!
Job Post and Job Description samples
Are you are still wondering how long your job description should be? Discover how to write a job description with guidance and hundreds of unique job description examples for every position imaginable, giving you a sense of the ideal length and format for your own job description.
In addition, we offer helpful writing advice on how to prepare a job description with a downloadable job description template and job advert template. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or just starting out, our resources can help you create a job description that attracts top talent and accurately reflects the needs of your organization.
Writing Job Descriptions FAQs
Here, we answer your frequently asked questions on crafting a well-written job description or job posting:
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The average length of a job description can vary depending on the type of job, level of the position, and the company's preference. Generally, a job description can range from a few sentences to several pages. However, a standard job description is usually one to two pages in length, and it typically includes information about the job's duties, responsibilities, qualifications, general knowledge, working conditions, and required experience.
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There is no set number of items that should be included in a job description. However, a job description should contain the necessary information to accurately describe the job, its requirements, and its responsibilities. It should set expectations and include key details about the job, such as the job title, essential functions, required skills, education and experience, salary information, and any other relevant information.
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The amount of information to include in a job description can vary depending on the position's complexity and the organization's needs. A job description should provide enough detail to help applicants understand the role's requirements and responsibilities. Generally, a job description should be concise and easy to read, highlighting the most important aspects of the person and job.
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A job description should include the following key components:
- Job title and summary: A clear and concise job title that accurately reflects the position's responsibilities and a brief summary of the job's purpose.
- Essential job functions: A detailed description of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job, including any specific skills or knowledge required to perform them.
- Qualifications and experience: The minimum education, experience, and skills required to perform the job, including any licenses, certifications, or other credentials.
- Physical and environmental requirements: Any physical demands or work conditions that may be required to perform the job, such as lifting, standing, or exposure to certain environments.
- Company culture and values: A description of the company culture and values, including any expectations for behavior or attitude while on the job.