Job Description
A formal document that outlines the responsibilities, required qualifications, and expectations for a specific role.
A job description (JD) is the primary communication tool between a company and prospective candidates. It defines what the role involves, what skills and experience are required (and which are nice-to-have), how the role fits into the organisation, and what the candidate can expect in return (culture, benefits, compensation).
A well-written job description attracts the right candidates and discourages unsuitable applicants — saving both sides time. A poorly written JD (vague about responsibilities, inflated requirements, or off-putting in tone) drives away strong candidates and generates noise from poor-fit applicants.
Best practices for modern job descriptions include: listing only genuinely required qualifications rather than an aspirational wishlist, avoiding jargon and corporate language, including salary information, and writing inclusively. Research shows that overly long requirement lists — particularly when dominated by "years of experience" — disproportionately deter women and underrepresented candidates from applying.