How to Write Job Descriptions That Attract

Allied OneSource • February 20, 2026

A job description might seem like a simple document, but it's often the first and sometimes only impression a candidate gets of your company. And here's the problem: 72% of hiring managers believe their job descriptions are clear enough, but only 36% of candidates agree, according to LinkedIn.¹ That gap costs you applicants, slows down hiring, and limits the quality of your talent pool.

Writing a great job description isn't just about listing tasks and requirements. It's about clarity, honesty, and making it easy for the right people to see themselves in the role. We'll walk through the most common mistakes employers make and how to write job descriptions that actually get results.

Common Job Description Mistakes

Here are the most common mistakes that push qualified candidates away.

Overloading Requirements and Qualifications (The "Kitchen Sink" Problem)

You want the best candidate, so you list everything you could possibly want. Bachelor's degree required. Five years of experience. Proficiency in six different software platforms. The result? You've just scared off most of your qualified applicants.

Research shows that women apply to jobs only when they meet 100% of the qualifications, while men apply when they meet about 60%.² When you pile on unnecessary requirements, you're not filtering for quality you're filtering out talent. Stick to what's truly essential. If something is nice to have but not required, say so clearly or leave it out.

Writing in Jargon or Corporate Speak

"We're seeking a dynamic self-starter to leverage synergies in a fast-paced environment." This kind of language repels talent. Candidates want to understand what the job actually involves, not decode buzzwords. Use clear job titles like "Software Engineer" instead of "Rockstar Developer." Write like you're talking to a real person.

Tone matters too. Gendered language, overly aggressive phrasing, or culturally specific references can signal that certain people aren't welcome. Keep it professional, clear, and neutral.

Skipping Salary Ranges and Key Details

Eighty percent of workers say they're unlikely to apply to a job that doesn't include a pay range, according to SHRM.² If you're skipping salary information, you're losing four out of five potential applicants before they even click apply.

The data proves transparency works. Seventy percent of companies that list pay ranges report more applicants, and 66% say the quality of candidates improves.² The same goes for remote work options, benefits, and schedule expectations. If your posting is vague, candidates will move on to one that isn't.

Focusing Only on What You Want, Not What You Offer

Most job descriptions tell candidates what you expect but not why they'd want the job. What's the career path? What problems will they solve? What makes your company worth joining? If your job description reads like a checklist of demands, strong candidates will skip it.

How to Write Job Descriptions That Get Results

A great job description does more than list responsibilities, it sells the role, sets clear expectations, and makes it easy for the right people to apply.

Start with a Clear, Searchable Job Title

Your job title needs to tell candidates what the role is and show up in search results. "Marketing Guru" might sound fun, but no one is searching for it. Use standard titles like "Marketing Manager" or "Digital Marketing Specialist." If the role has seniority levels, make that clear too—"Senior," "Lead," or "Junior" signals experience expectations upfront.

Be Specific About Qualifications and Realistic

List the skills and experience that truly matter for the role. If a bachelor's degree isn't required to do the job well, don't list it as a requirement. Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves using phrases like "required," "preferred," or "bonus skills." This keeps strong candidates from ruling themselves out while still setting clear expectations.

Use Plain Language and Active Voice

Write like you're explaining the role to someone in person. Avoid jargon and overly formal phrasing. Instead of "responsible for executing strategic initiatives," say "you'll lead projects that improve customer experience." Active voice makes job descriptions easier to read and helps candidates picture themselves in the role.

Include Salary Range and Benefits Upfront

Salary transparency is now a competitive advantage. List the salary range early in the posting, ideally in the first few paragraphs. Include other key details like health benefits, PTO, remote work options, and any perks that make your company stand out. The more transparent you are, the more trust you build.

Highlight What Makes Your Company Different

Candidates are comparing multiple opportunities at once. What makes yours worth their time? A few sentences about your mission, team environment, or what employees value most can make a big difference. Avoid generic statements like "we're a family." Be specific about what actually sets you apart.

Make It Inclusive and Accessible

Inclusive job descriptions attract a wider, more qualified talent pool. Avoid gendered language and phrases that unintentionally exclude people. Use "they" instead of "he/she." Specify accommodations when describing physical requirements. Focus on skills and outcomes, not cultural fit or personality traits that can code for bias.

Allied OneSource Can Help You Get Your Job Descriptions Right and Hire Faster

Writing effective job descriptions takes time, strategy, and a clear understanding of what today's candidates are looking for. It's not just about filling a role, it's about attracting the right talent, setting clear expectations, and building a stronger hiring process from the start.

Allied OneSource helps employers refine their job descriptions and hiring strategies to improve applicant quality and speed to hire. Whether you need support writing job postings, sourcing candidates, or managing the entire recruitment process, we bring the expertise and networks that make hiring work.

Ready to attract better candidates with job descriptions that get results? Contact us today and let's strengthen your hiring strategy together.

References

1. Rynne, Alexandra. "Beyond the Diploma: Why Degree Requirements Are Outdated." LinkedIn Business, 30 Sept. 2025, https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/talent-acquisition/why-degree-requirements-are-outdated.

2. Mayer, Kathryn. "Pay Transparency Has Soared in the Past Three Years." SHRM, 28 Mar. 2023, https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/benefits-compensation/pay-transparency-soared-past-three-years.

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