A job description’s main objective is to clearly present all aspects of a job role to the applicant. Effective job descriptions help employers attract relevant candidates to apply for the proposed job role.

For employers, the primary aims of a job description are to:

• Clearly define the job role and set clear expectations
• Attract applicants with the right qualifications and levels of experience
• Discourage unsuitable candidates from applying
• Provide a reference point for managers and HR to evaluate a new joiner’s performance compared to the responsibilities outlined in the job description

For applicants, job descriptions should:

• Indicate whether the job in question aligns with their interests, skill set, goals, and morals.
• Demonstrate company expectations, allowing the applicant to judge if their qualifications are sufficient.
• Help prepare for the interview process. Job descriptions should provide candidates with a basic idea of the questions interviewers may ask about their experience, qualifications, and work philosophy.
• Candidates can check salary ranges—if included in a job description—to compare multiple roles within a given industry and decide which ones to apply for.