A good job description answers why the role exists, what its core tasks are, who it reports to, how the success of the person in it is measured, and which qualifications are genuinely needed. Write it on one page in clear language.
Step by step
- 1
Purpose of the role
One or two sentences on the result the role delivers for the company.
- 2
Tasks and responsibilities
Five to eight main tasks, each starting with a clear verb.
- 3
Reporting lines and authority
The direct manager, the people who report to the role, and the limits of the decisions it can make.
- 4
Performance indicators
How do we know the person is succeeding in the role? Three measurable indicators.
- 5
Qualifications
Only the experience, skills and certificates that are truly needed, with essential and preferred kept separate.
A long list of unnecessary qualifications drives away good candidates and makes the description useless for evaluating performance after hiring.
Job description template
Purpose, duties, KPIs, authority, qualifications and sign-off, with a short guide in every field.
Download the template free- job description template
- how to write a job description with examples