How to write job descriptions for required roles

Why a good job description matters

Before you can hire your dream team, you need to tell them you’re hiring! A job description is much more than a simple list of tasks; it’s your first sales pitch to potential employees. A great one will attract people who are a genuine fit for your business and help filter out those who aren’t, saving you a huge amount of time and effort in the long run.

Think of it as a matchmaking tool. It sets clear expectations from the very beginning, ensuring that anyone who applies already has a good idea of what the job involves and what you’re looking for. This leads to better interviews and, ultimately, better hires.

The key ingredients of a great job description

To get the right person, you need to include the right information. Here’s a simple breakdown of what every job description should include:

• Job Title: Keep it simple, clear, and standard. Use a title that people will actually search for, like ‘Barista’ or ‘Kitchen Porter’, not ‘Coffee Wizard’ or ‘Chief of Suds’.
• A Brief Summary: Write a short, engaging paragraph that introduces the role and your business. This is your chance to get them excited about the opportunity. What’s your mission? What’s the work environment like?
• Key Responsibilities: Use a bulleted list to outline the main duties of the job. Start each point with an action verb (e.g., ‘Prepare’, ‘Serve’, ‘Manage’, ‘Clean’). Be specific and focus on the most important tasks.
• Skills & Qualifications: Split this into two sections: ‘Essential’ (the absolute must-haves) and ‘Desirable’ (the nice-to-haves). This helps candidates quickly see if they are qualified. For example, a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate might be essential, while experience with a specific coffee machine is desirable.
• Hours & Location: Be upfront about the working hours. Is it full-time or part-time? Will they need to work evenings and weekends? State the exact location of the job so they can figure out their commute.
• Salary or Pay Rate: Don’t be shy about money. Stating the hourly wage or salary range is crucial for attracting serious applicants. If you offer benefits like a share of tips, staff discounts, or free meals on shift, mention them here!
• How to Apply: Give clear, simple instructions. For example, “To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you’d be a great fit for our team to [email address] by [closing date].”

Top tips for making your job ad stand out

In a competitive market, a little extra effort can make all the difference.

1. Write like a human: Avoid stuffy, corporate jargon. Use a friendly, approachable tone that reflects your brand’s personality.
2. Be realistic: Don’t write a wish list for a superhero. Be honest about the role’s challenges as well as its rewards. This builds trust.
3. Sell your business: Why should someone work for you? Talk briefly about your company culture, your values, or what makes your business a great place to be.
4. Proofread everything: Typos and grammar mistakes look unprofessional. Read it aloud or ask a friend to check it over before you post it.

A quick example

Job Title: Front of House Team Member

Summary: We’re a new, family-run café in the heart of Bristol, passionate about great coffee and delicious homemade cakes. We’re looking for a friendly and energetic person to be the face of our business, welcoming customers and making everyone feel at home.

Responsibilities:

• Greeting customers with a warm welcome.
• Taking food and drink orders accurately.
• Operating the till and handling payments.
• Keeping the café clean, tidy, and well-stocked.

Skills & Experience:

• Essential: Previous experience in a customer-facing role; a positive and friendly attitude.
• Desirable: Barista experience; a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate.

Hours: Part-time, approx. 20 hours per week, including one weekend day.

Pay: £11.50 per hour, plus a share of tips and free coffee on shift!

By putting a bit of thought into your job descriptions, you’re not just filling a vacancy; you’re taking the first step towards building a brilliant team that will help your business thrive.