Ensure your roles attract the applicants you actually need.

A job description is often the first real impression a candidate has of your organisation. If it’s vague, confusing or unrealistic, the right people will scroll past – and the wrong people may apply in droves.

At Alpha Recruitment Services Ltd, we see every day how a well-written job description can transform the quality of applicants. Here’s how to make yours clear, accurate and genuinely attractive to the people you want to hire.

1. Start With a Clear, Honest Job Title

Your job title should be:
• Recognisable – what candidates actually search for (e.g. “Office Administrator”, not “Office Ninja”)
• Accurate – reflects the level and nature of the role
• Uncluttered – avoid stacking multiple roles inside one title

If a candidate can’t understand the job from the title, they’re less likely to click through.

2. Use a Short, Sharp Overview

Begin with a brief summary (3–4 lines) that explains:
• What the organisation does
• Where the role sits
• The main purpose of the job
• Why the role exists or matters

Example:
“We’re looking for a Customer Service Coordinator to support our busy London-based team, handling customer enquiries by phone and email, resolving issues efficiently and helping us deliver an outstanding client experience.”

3. Be Specific About Key Responsibilities

Replace vague phrases like “general duties” with clear, concrete tasks.

Instead of:
• “Deal with admin tasks as required”

Use:
• “Respond to customer emails within agreed timeframes”
• “Maintain accurate records on our CRM system”
• “Prepare weekly reports for the Operations Manager”

Aim for 6–10 realistic bullet points.

4. Distinguish Between ‘Essential’ and ‘Desirable’

Create two separate sections:

Essential:
• Must-have qualifications, skills or experience
• Non-negotiable requirements

Desirable:
• Useful extras
• Skills that can be learned later

This helps candidates self-select correctly and widens your talent pool.

5. Use Inclusive, Accessible Language

Avoid jargon, gendered phrases and internal acronyms. Focus on skills.

Instead of:
• “We need a strong, dominant leader”

Say:
• “We’re looking for a confident leader who can make clear decisions and support the team through change.”

Inclusive writing attracts better applicants.

6. Be Transparent About Practical Details

Make sure your job description clearly states:
• Location and working pattern
• Hours
• Contract type
• Salary (ideally a range)
• Reporting line
• Any supervisory duties

Clarity builds trust and reduces wasted applications.

7. Highlight Benefits and Development – Honestly

Candidates care about:
• Training and development
• Progression opportunities
• Flexible working
• Holiday entitlement and pension
• Additional benefits

Be truthful—over-selling causes early turnover.

8. Explain What “Good” Looks Like

What success looks like (first 6–12 months):
• You’ve built strong relationships with key stakeholders
• You’re meeting agreed performance targets
• You’ve contributed to improving a process or workflow

This sets expectations early.

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9. Make It Easy to Apply

End with clear steps:
• How to apply
• What to send
• Where to send it
• Closing date
• Contact details for questions

Even strong candidates abandon confusing application processes.

10. How Alpha Recruitment Services Can Help

At Alpha Recruitment Services Ltd, we support employers by:
• Clarifying role requirements
• Turning notes into clear, candidate-friendly job descriptions
• Balancing essential and desirable criteria
• Making job descriptions inclusive and attractive
• Aligning roles with current market expectations

This leads to fewer irrelevant applications and stronger shortlists.

If you’d like help creating or improving your job descriptions, we’d be delighted to support you.

Email: admin@alpharecruitmentservices.uk
Phone: 02035766312
Website: https://alpharecruitmentservices.uk