🔍 How to Write Job Descriptions That Attract the Right Talent (Fast)
By

Let’s be honest—writing a job description can feel like trying to order coffee for a crowd of picky drinkers. You want to say just enough to entice the right person, without drowning them in bullet points and buzzwords. But here’s the kicker: the right job description can make the difference between a flood of irrelevant applications and finding that perfect match in record time.

Whether you’re hiring a full-time team member or a rockstar freelancer, here’s how to write job listings that actually work.

đź’ˇ Start With a Clear, Honest Job Title

No fluff. No “rockstars,” “ninjas,” or “growth hackers.” Be specific and accurate—candidates are scanning hundreds of listings, and the title is your first hook.

âś… Examples that work:

  • Digital Marketing Specialist (Remote, Contract)
  • Full-Stack Developer – React & Node.js (Full-Time)
  • Virtual Assistant for eCommerce Business (Part-Time, Flexible)

đźš« Avoid:

  • “Marketing Guru Needed ASAP!!!”
  • “Looking for a Tech Wizard”
  • “Dynamic Self-Starter Wanted”

Save the personality for later—titles are for clarity, not cleverness.

🧱 Break Down the Role (No Jargon, Please)

Keep this section short and focused. A few sentences max. Think of it like your elevator pitch: “Here’s what this role is, why it matters, and how it fits into the big picture.”

Example:

We’re looking for a freelance content writer to help us create weekly blog posts that educate small business owners about digital marketing. You’ll work closely with our marketing lead to brainstorm topics, write engaging articles, and optimize for SEO.

🎯 List Responsibilities – But Keep It Real

Here’s where many job posts go off the rails: they list everything. Every tool, every task, every possible duty the person might encounter.

Keep it focused. Use bullet points. Highlight the core responsibilities, and leave room for the right candidate to grow into the role.

Better Format:

  • Write 1–2 blog articles per week (800–1,500 words)
  • Collaborate with the editor to review outlines and keyword focus
  • Update existing content based on SEO performance
  • Attend weekly check-in calls (15–30 min)

🛠️ Must-Have Skills vs. Nice-to-Have

Be honest. What’s essential, and what’s just a bonus? Label them clearly.

Example:

Required:

  • Strong written English
  • Familiarity with WordPress and Google Docs
  • Portfolio of 3+ blog articles

Bonus if you have:

  • Experience with Surfer SEO or Clearscope
  • Knowledge of email marketing or eCommerce

This helps candidates self-filter—and saves you time.

💸 Don’t Dodge the Pay Question

We get it—pricing can vary. But posts with clear rates or ranges get more qualified applicants and show you respect people’s time.

Try this:

💰 Budget: $50–$75 per article depending on experience

Or

💼 Monthly rate: Negotiable – we’re open to part-time or full-time depending on your availability

🌍 Remote, Hybrid, or On-Site? Be Upfront

This one’s big. If you want someone available in a specific time zone or country, say it clearly. If it’s flexible, celebrate that too.

Example:

This is a remote freelance position. We prefer candidates available for occasional meetings between 10 AM–2 PM EAT (East Africa Time).

✨ Inject a Bit of Your Brand Personality

Once the essentials are in, feel free to humanize the post. What’s it like working with your team? What kind of people thrive with you? A sentence or two of personality can make you stand out.

Example:

We’re a small, remote-first team that believes in work-life balance, emoji-filled Slack chats, and doing great work without micromanagement.

📢 End With a Clear CTA (Call-to-Action)

Don’t make candidates guess what to do next.

Try this:

Sound like a fit? Send us a short message telling us why you’re interested and include a few links to your best work.

🎯 Apply now on [YourPlatform.com] or message us directly through your profile.

Final Thoughts

Writing a great job post doesn’t require fancy language—it just needs to be clear, real, and respectful of people’s time. Whether you’re hiring a freelancer for a one-off project or bringing on a full-time team member, a well-written post will save you hours of sorting and screening.

So take the extra 10 minutes. Your dream candidate is out there—make it easy for them to say “I want this job.”