Writing the perfect Job Description

You’ve likely seen and written countless job descriptions. It’s easy to fall into routine and providing a generic description of the company and a checklist of responsibilities. The excuse is that the candidate likely won't read it, but this is a self fulfilling prophecy. The perfect job description defines exactly what the client is looking for and what will excite the right candidate. It's a worthwhile investment as it enhances the recruiting experience of everyone involved:

• Candidate: Will read every sentence, often more than once, throughout the application process. This even helps them be better prepared and more successful in interviews, all thanks to your job description

• Client: Will feel impressed, valued, and understood

• You: Serves as a reliable guide to the client’s needs throughout the search

Wrong and overusage of AI and ChatGPT has made it easier than ever to stand out as a recruitment agency. Many recruitment agencies use AI to quickly write or rewrite job descriptions, while it should be used to:

• Leave no detail overlooked: Use AI to ensure that every detail of all relevant information (incl. intake conversation) is captured, analyzed and accurately reflected in the job description.

• Overcome blank page syndrome: Avoid starting to write a job description from scratch, or worse, using an unrelated copy. Let AI generate your tailored job description draft, allowing you to focus on refining and perfecting it.

You can read more on how AI can improve your recruitment workflow in this article. Now, let’s dive into the three key steps for crafting the perfect job description as a recruitment agency:

Step 1: Discover what sets the client apart

Start by gaining a thorough understanding of your client’s organization. Ask key questions to uncover the company’s culture, values, and unique aspects that set them apart from competitors. Use these insights to add color to the job description and make it more compelling. This foundational knowledge ensures that you can:

• Highlight what makes the company unique and why someone would want to work there.

• Accurately reflect the company’s tone and values in the job description.

Step 2: Truly grasp what the role entails

Once you’ve understood the company, dive deep into the specifics of the role. Clarify:

• Org Structure: How does this role fit into the larger organization?

• Responsibilities: What will this person do day-to-day?

• Impact: Why is this role important, and what makes it exciting?

Clearly stating that someone will lead a hybrid team of 4 business controllers working 3-days per week in the office in San Francisco, is far more effective than simply requiring great leadership skills.

Step 3: Visualize the ideal candidate profile

Craft a detailed Ideal Candidate Profile (ICP) by identifying the skills, experiences, and personality traits that perfectly align with the role and company. Consider both the "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves," focusing on qualities that will drive success in the position.

Visualize this ideal candidate as a real person, and write the job description as though speaking directly to them. Address their key motivators and potential questions.

This approach not only ensures alignment with the company’s needs but also helps the job description stand out by appealing directly to the most qualified candidates.

As a Bonus, we're sharing with you our checklist for an IMPACTFUL job description:

Checklist for Writing a Perfect Job Description (IMPACTFUL)

Use this acronym to remember the steps:

1. Identify the Client's Uniqueness: Have you captured the client’s culture, values, and goals? Do you know what sets their workplace apart from the competition?

2. Match the Role to Organizational Goals: Do you know the responsibilities and daily tasks for the role? Have you clarified how the role fits into the organization?

3. Provide a Clear Job Title and Summary: Is the job title clear? Does the summary highlight the role’s purpose and excitement factors?

4. Assess Ideal Candidate Traits: Have you created an Ideal Candidate Profile (ICP) that reflects measurable traits? Have you considered both must-haves and nice-to-haves?

5. Craft Key Responsibilities: Are responsibilities written clearly in bullet points? Have you avoided generic or vague statements?

6. Tailor Benefits and Perks: Have you highlighted growth opportunities and unique benefits? Are the perks relevant to the target candidate?

7. Utilize Candidate-Centric Language: Are you addressing the ideal candidate directly? Does the description answer likely questions from the candidate?

8. Finalize Specific Details: Have you included the location, salary range, and start date? Are these details transparent and enticing?

9. Use Clear and Concise Language: Have you applied the McDonald’s Test to avoid generic statements?(i.e. Does this sentence specifically describe the job, or could it just as easily apply to someone working at McDonald’s?) Is the language free from jargon and ambiguity?

10. Look for Feedback: Have you reviewed the description with the client? Does it align with their expectations and attract the right audience?

At Spott, we’ve created an AI Job Description Generator designed for those who recognize the value of a qualitative job description. Our job description tool combines efficiency with tailored results. Ready to elevate your job descriptions writing? Contact us - we’re happy to help!