The process of finding and employing candidates is expensive; it takes time and money to find the right people for a role, and making a mistake can be costly. The first thing most candidates will see is your job description, making it a vital part of attracting the right calibre of applicants to your role.
It’s not fair or prudent to describe a job incorrectly or falsely, and it certainly won’t get you the person you really want. Underselling or overstating the role can be damaging and frustrating to all parties. So, a job description should tell all applicants exactly what they will do if they are successful, and the responsibilities they will be expected to fulfil.
The description should clearly show the department and location in which the successful candidate will be working, any staff members they will be responsible for managing, as well as some background on the company and why the role has become available. Also, don’t forget to tell applicants exactly how to apply, and when they have to do it by.
Our template outlines the key parts of a job description that you will need to include for any job you wish to advertise. And while you will need to add in extra information unique to each position you advertise, this basic outline should work well as a blueprint for all of your future vacancies.
Job description checklist
- Job title
- Department (if applicable)
- Line manager
- Number of reports
- Location
- Salary
- Contract type
- Duties and responsibilities
- Experience and skills
- How to apply
- Closing date
- Contact information
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Reference to any organisation, business and event on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation from the British Business Bank or the UK Government. Whilst we make reasonable efforts to keep the information on this page up to date, we do not guarantee or warrant (implied or otherwise) that it is current, accurate or complete. The information is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation, nor does it constitute legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. You should always consider whether the information is applicable to your particular circumstances and, where appropriate, seek professional or specialist advice or support.
