Job Description Checklist: Every Element You Need Before Posting
This checklist ensures your job description is complete, accurate, and optimized before it goes live on job boards. Each item corresponds to a common mistake or missed opportunity. Running through it takes 10-15 minutes and significantly improves the quality of applicants you receive.
All resources Job Description Checklist
Title and basics
Before anything else, verify the fundamentals. A wrong title or missing location wastes everyone’s time — candidates apply for roles that do not match, or relocate their search for positions that are not where they expected.
- Job title is accurate, industry-standard, and searchable
- Location or remote status is clearly stated
- Work arrangement is specified (office, hybrid, remote, flexibility)
- Department or team is identified
- Reports-to relationship is stated
Content quality check
Review every section for clarity, specificity, and honesty. The description should tell a candidate exactly what they will do, what they need to succeed, and what they will get in return.
- Role overview explains what the person does and why it matters
- Responsibilities are specific outcomes, not vague tasks
- There are 6-10 core responsibilities, not 20
- Requirements are separated from preferred qualifications
- Requirements are limited to 5-7 truly mandatory items
- Compensation includes a salary range, not just “competitive”
- Company description is honest and specific (size, stage, culture)
Language and bias review
Read the entire description and flag any language that might discourage qualified candidates from applying. This is not about being overly cautious — research consistently shows that biased language measurably reduces the diversity and quality of applicant pools.
- No gendered words (ninja, rockstar, aggressive, dominant)
- No unnecessary jargon or internal acronyms
- No inflated seniority titles
- No requirements that are actually preferences
- Language is direct, specific, and free of filler phrases
Formatting and accessibility
How your description looks affects how many people read it. Most candidates scan on mobile devices. Dense paragraphs, missing headers, and inconsistent formatting cause readers to abandon the posting before reaching the call to action.
- Headers separate each major section
- Bullet points are used for all lists
- Paragraphs are 2-3 sentences maximum
- Description is under 1,200 words
- Mobile-friendly formatting (no columns, tables, or images)
- ATS-compatible (no styled text, no unusual characters)
Legal and compliance
Before posting, verify compliance with applicable laws and your own company policies. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but these items are broadly applicable.
- Equal opportunity statement is included
- Salary range is disclosed if required by local law
- Physical requirements (if any) are listed separately and accurately
- No age-related language (e.g., “yung and energetic”)
- Compliance with ADA, EEOC, or equivalent local regulations
Related resources
Related job descriptions
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use this checklist?
Every time you write or update a job description before posting. Making it part of your standard workflow takes 10-15 minutes per posting and prevents the most common mistakes that cost employers qualified applicants.
What if I fail an item on the checklist?
Fix it before posting. Each item exists because the corresponding mistake measurably reduces the quality or quantity of applicants. A 10-minute fix now saves hours of screening unqualified applicants or restarting a failed search later.
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