THE GUIDE
How to write a job description that attracts the right people
A job description is an advert, not a legal document. The best ones are short, specific about the work, honest about the must-haves and clear about pay and the process.
What good job descriptions do
- Explain why the role exists and what success looks like in a year.
- List the work in 5 to 7 bullet points that start with a verb.
- Keep must-haves to six or fewer. Many good candidates do not apply unless they match every line.
- Show the salary range.
- Say how you hire and how long it takes.
Words to avoid
- “Rockstar”, “ninja” or “guru”: say the skill instead.
- “Young”, “energetic” or “digital native”: can read as age bias.
- “Native speaker”: say “fluent” instead.
- “Work hard, play hard” or “we are a family”: can suggest long hours with no boundaries.
- In Singapore, follow the Tripartite Guidelines on Fair Employment Practices: no age, race, gender or religion requirements unless the job truly needs them.
Frequently asked questions
Around 300 to 600 words. Long enough to explain the role, short enough to read on a phone.
Yes, as a range. It saves everyone time and brings in more relevant applicants.
A must-have is something the person cannot do the job without on day one. Everything else can be learned or is a bonus.
