If your job descriptions lean towards a laundry list of duties, you might be missing the chance to hook the right talent.
Writing a great job description is equal parts art and strategy. Internally, it’s the compass that keeps everyone on course, spelling out who’s doing what (and avoiding the dreaded “Isn’t that your job?” debates). Externally, a job posting is a marketing tool that captures attention and whispers to candidates, “You belong here.”
TASKS ARE BORING. OUTCOMES AREN’T. Instead of listing granular tasks that might overwhelm or bore the reader, frame the role in terms of ownership and impact. Picture this:
• Task-based: "Monitor social media accounts and post daily updates." • Outcome-focused: "Grow and engage our social media community by crafting compelling content that drives meaningful conversations."
It’s the same role, but one feels like a chore, and the other feels like an opportunity. People want to make an impact, not tick boxes.
WRITE LIKE YOU’RE TALKING TO THE RIGHT PERSON Know who you’re talking to and speak their language. If it’s a senior-level role, show how this position influences big-picture goals. If it’s an entry-level role, keep it straightforward and inviting. Flexibility is key. Phrases like “10+ years of experience required” can scare off brilliant people who’ve taken less conventional paths. Instead, say something like, “Proven ability to lead complex marketing campaigns.”
YOUR CULTURE IS YOUR CALLING CARD A job description isn’t just about the role, it’s also about where that role fits. Highlight your company culture, values, and quirks. If you’re a sustainability champion, say so. If your team thrives on collaboration, and rewards innovation, let it show.
Avoid clichés like “fast-paced environment” or “team player.” These phrases are so overused they’re basically white noise. Instead, be specific: “We’re a close-knit team that thrives on creative problem-solving and bad puns.”
STRUCTURE IT LIKE A PRO Nobody has time to read a wall of text. Keep it clean, simple, and skimmable:
TITLE AND OVERVIEW: Start with the big picture—what’s the role, and why does it exist?
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: But make them outcome-driven.
QUALIFICATIONS: Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM: Highlight perks, benefits, and the chance to do meaningful work.
Be friendly, clear, and concise. And ditch the jargon. Nobody’s inspired by “synergistic approaches to dynamic workflows.”
TEST IT BEFORE YOU POST IT Share the draft with your team - especially those already in similar roles - and refine it based on their input.
Since 1998, Fusion Associates has been placing experienced professionals across the globe within consumer markets including consumer goods, fashion, sporting goods, healthy living and luxury.
Environmental, humanitarian, social and political concerns are close to the Partners both in and out of the business. We pride ourselves in partnering with industry leaders who wish to contribute to a better, more sustainable future. Working with global companies that are at the forefront of innovating and integrating sustainability into the heart of their business, we have helped build purpose-led teams from leadership to subject experts in biodiversity and animal welfare.