Writing JDs is time-consuming. Using a job description checklist saves time, and keeps things consistent. Here are 3 example checklists, plus some useful tips on writing better JDs.

What’s in a Job Description Checklist?

If you aren’t sure what to include in your JD, here are a few questions you can answer to start your own job description checklist template:

  • Who is your ideal candidate?
  • What are the job duties/tasks?
  • What skills will the best candidate have?
  • Is the job remote, hybrid, or in-office?
  • How will the best candidate interact with the team?
  • What compensation and benefits will you offer?

Now for some pre-made examples, you might use for inspiration:

 

3 Examples of a Job Description Checklist

Here’s an example of a job description checklist from Checkify:

job description checklist template checkify

 

Here’s a dynamic job description template from Taskade. This one is cool because you can make edits, add your own sections, and get feedback from your team members in. one “workspace.”

job description checklist template taskade

 

And here’s a free job description checklist template you can copy/paste. This one has detail in each section to help you get started writing your own JDs:

Job Title

The title should be informative: the sooner a person understands the essence of the work, the better. The title should be easily searchable to help with SEO. You can read more about what makes a great job title here. A good place to start is by researching competitors’ job titles.

Job Summary

The job summary is a paragraph about the role. Keep it simple and interesting with your ideal candidate in mind.

About You

Now that you’ve explained the role, it’s time to describe your ideal candidate and capture their attention.

What You’ll Do

In this section, you’ll explain the daily job duties. Try creating your own internal job duties checklist template for each role as a reference.

This will also help you keep this section short and to the point – try not to list more than 7 duties, so you aren’t overwhelming your potential applicants.

Your Qualifications

Here’s where you tell the candidate what experience or qualifications the role requires. This gives them an idea if they’re a good fit for the position. If you have more than 3 “preferred requirements” on your list, create a separate “Preferred Requirements” section, so it’s easier to read.

Salary & Benefits

Salary and benefits motivate job seekers to apply. Candidates spend more time looking at salary information than any other part of your job description, so include it if you can. Even if you link off to another pay with more info.

About Us

Here you tell job seekers about yourself as briefly and clearly as possible. Here you can include the advantages of working at the company. This is an excellent opportunity to get feedback and ideas from your current employees!

Diversity Statement

A diversity statement should be part of your job description checklist. If your organization has a solid DEI standard, then this will be easy. But if not, then it’s a great opportunity to create a starting point for your diversity and inclusion practices. Be honest about where you are and where you want to be. This section will be much easier to write once you have good DEI practices in place. Need some help? Here are 25 Examples of Awesome Diversity Statements.

How to Apply

Tell job seekers how to apply for a job and what they can expect from the application and interview process.

Office Location

If you post your JDs on social networks, newsletters, or job boards, make sure to list the city or “remote” if it’s an option. Candidates care about where they will work, in office or at home.

 

Why I wrote this?

Ongig’s mission is to create effective and inclusive JDs. Using a job description checklist is a great starting point. Please request a demo if you’d like to learn more about how Ongig automates your JD writing process.

This is a guest post by Luna Bell. Luna is a freelance writer covering writing, modern technology, and education. Passionate about psychology, Luna has extensive experience writing articles and essays for the Essay Tigers service on college adjustment and self-development.

by in Job Descriptions