Job Description: what it is and how it can help you attract the right talent

A job description is - as the name implies - a complete description of a position. It serves to inform you of the job's functions, responsibilities, and competencies.

Attracting qualified candidates for a vacancy is a challenge in itself, isn't it? Now, attracting the RIGHT talent is even more complicated. 

Which professional responsible for screening hasn't received a resume that didn't make sense for that position? And here we ask you a question: what is the point of attracting a thousand applications, if when you triage, most of them are not aligned with the position? 

This is where job descriptions come in! They should contain all the essential information to serve as the first phase of your selection process, essential for candidates and recruiters.

What is a job description?

It is the description of the vacancy and its functions that is most often used in job posting. This is because it is where the company should tell a little more about who it is, the daily functions, the obligatory and desirable requirements, benefits, differentials, and everything that they think is important to inform the candidate before applying!

The idea is that when reading all the information, the person will know if the position is right for them.

For example: the job description informs that this is a position where the person hired must speak fluent English, because they will perform several activities in English. There, we avoid applications from people who do not have the requirement and also, the recruiter or hunter to invest time analyzing that profile that would not be adherent.

You can understand the importance of a well-done job description, can't you?

Is there a job description manual?

Not a manual! But there are the famous best practices to do well and make a beautiful and efficient job description to attract the largest number of talents aligned with the position you are working on. 

And, of course, we've brought you the abc of job description to help you:

1- A title aligned with the job

It is very important that the job title is aligned with the functions and requirements of the position. Who hasn't seen a junior-level position with several requirements and competencies that classify it as a full-level position? 

The job title is also part of the job description, and we must pay attention to classify it correctly; after all, it is the first thing that the candidate will see when looking at your vacancy.

Therefore, a super tip is to adapt the job titles to neutral language, so as not to discourage anyone from completing the application!

2- Tell more about the company

Here you will tell a little more about the company, from its history to its culture.

Think that it is at this time that the candidate will have an idea of your environment, whether you are more formal or relaxed. What do you think is important to share with these people before applying?

3- Everyday functions

With a good title and a well-done introduction of the company, we move on to the next phase: the description of the daily duties of the job position!

It is in this part that the candidate will understand what their attributions will be if they win the job, so describe them very carefully. Generally, it is in this section that they understand if they are aligned and comfortable to perform what the position requires.

4- Requirements

Here we put both the obligatory (if it is necessary to have higher or technical education, languages, knowledge in tools that are used in the day-to-day of the function), and the desirable (which would be a certain level of fluency, expertise in editing or development programs, among others).

Remember that this applies to both hard skills, which are the technical and knowledge skills, and soft skills, which can be classified as behavioral and interpersonal. 

Pay close attention when classifying this part, and consider if these requirements are aligned with the seniority level you informed in the title.

5- Benefits

Last but not least, we have the benefits! Here you can be elaborate and tell everything that the candidate gains by joining your team. Flexible schedule? A benefit! Extended maternity leave? A benefit!

Think beyond the classic food stamps and health care, which are also important, but what would attract even more talent today? Working remotely? Flexible benefits card? Discount club? Make your own list and go for it!

After this great lesson on how to write your job description, here's an example - in a fun way - of how all this would be put into practice in a job description:

Job description example:

Ready-made job description! See how creating that is simpler than we think?

And here's another tip: be objective! It is important that the candidate or recruiter can understand the profile of the position just by reading the job description.

The job description serves more than just to inform what you do in that vacancy. If done correctly and effectively, it serves as a first triage: it prevents profiles that are not aligned with the position from applying!

If you have an open position and need extra support, talk to our commercial team and understand the power of active recruitment from the largest global community of freelance headhunters. 99Hunters even supports you in the construction of your job description: