How to Write a Great Job Description: A Step-by-Step Guide for Better Hourly Hiring

If you’re struggling to attract quality candidates, your job description might be the problem—and the opportunity. A clear, engaging, and informative job posting doesn’t just fill seats; it connects your business with people who’ll thrive on your team.

At HigherMe, we help companies hire faster and smarter. Here’s your definitive guide to writing great job descriptions that stand out, attract top talent, and perform well on job boards and search engines.

✔️ Nail the Job Title

Your job title is the first (and sometimes only) thing job seekers read. Here’s how to get it right:

• Keep it Short and Clear:
  Aim for 50–60 characters for desktop and about 35 characters (roughly five words) for mobile views. Titles in this range enjoy a 30% higher click-through rate than longer ones.
• Avoid Jargon:
  Skip internal lingo and abbreviations. Use standard, searchable titles that candidates recognize. A staggering 64% of job seekers skip listings with unclear titles.

✔️ Write an Engaging Job Summary

Start strong. Your opening should quickly communicate:

• The primary purpose of the role
• Why the role exists
• What makes it exciting

Keep it concise: ideally one to two paragraphs. Remember, candidates decide fast whether to keep reading.

✔️ Be Specific About Responsibilities

Vague lists scare off good candidates. Instead:

• Group duties into logical categories
• Use bullet points for clarity
• Highlight daily tasks and big-picture responsibilities

Pro Tip: 56% of candidates are willing to walk away from lucrative offers if job expectations are unclear.

✔️ List Clear Requirements

Candidates skim this section quickly—on average, just 14.6 seconds. Make sure they find the essentials:

• Required skills, certifications, and education
• Minimum years of experience
• “Must-have” vs. “nice-to-have” qualifications

Being upfront reduces unqualified applicants and speeds up hiring.

People want to know where they’re working, not just what they’ll do. Include:

• Your mission and values
• What makes your workplace unique
• Reasons people enjoy working with you

Including pay details is more than nice—it’s strategic:

• 67% of job seekers consider salary a primary factor when applying.
• Job ads with salary info receive 2.5x more impressions.

Be transparent. Include a pay range, benefits, bonuses, and unique perks to help your post rise to the top.

✔️ Describe Your Ideal Candidate

Help applicants picture themselves in the role:

• Use inclusive, welcoming language
• Describe soft skills and personality traits that fit your team

✔️ Provide Schedule and Location Details

Don’t leave candidates guessing:

• Specify full-time, part-time, or temporary
• Note any shift requirements, evening/weekend work
• Give exact location details, especially for multi-unit businesses

Precise info ensures you’re attracting local talent and improves job board performance.

✔️ Outline the Application Process

Finish strong with a clear call-to-action:

• Let candidates know how to apply
• Detail any next steps
• Include an “Apply Now” button if possible

The Bottom Line

A great job description isn’t just a task—it’s a tool for building your business. By writing clear, engaging, and informative posts, you’ll:

• Attract more qualified candidates
• Reduce time-to-hire
• Build a stronger employer brand

At HigherMe, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining existing postings, our team of experts can help you create compelling and tailored job descriptions. We also offer templated job descriptions for roles across industries, helping you save time and hire smarter.

Let’s help you hire better!