09/06/2022
So, let's imagine a case where you need to write a software developer job description. Where do you start?
More than likely you will take guidance from job vacancies from other companies, or follow a generic job description script. This is a sure fire way to write a poor job description, full of generic, meaningless text no one will bother reading beyond the headline text or first line.
Luckily, we have some feedback from established tech talent that can put you on the right path. Watch this video, and start taking notes:
Follow this simple job description principle: facts, figures and technologies. This is the basis for your job description and should be your guiding light. Provide less background information, and get to the gist of it!
So, let's move onto structure. Follow this structure for job description success:
● Topic
This should be your priority. There are tens of thousands of almost identical “Senior React Developer” vacancies currently live. So, be an outstanding employer. Show how you’re different, immediately! Try to add something like “Senior React Developer in FinTech Startup Month-Over-Month growth of 20%”. Then, colour this text with what your developers want - remote, full time / part time, stock options etc. Your topic is your offer, so lead with it in your title and opening paragraph to grab the attention of the best talent.
● Who are you and what needs to be done
Within and beyond that first paragraph, it's worthwhile mentioning 3 key elements of the role using plain language: what’s your company about, why are you good at what you do, why are you cool, and what needs to be done. Here is a clear example – “We’re making a mobile app where anyone can order a video featuring a celebrity. Now we have more than 100 celebrities, 10k paying clients, and investments from a well-known venture capital fund. We’re looking for a front-end developer who will make X, Y, and Z with us, therefore bringing our interface to a new level”.
● Your stack
Now that your candidate understands the main top line elements of the role, next up is the stack. Before money, before stock options, before vacation allowance, your candidate wants to know about the stack! Keep it simple, and keep it modern: no one wants to code using old programming languages. In the second paragraph, write as simply as possible — we use A, B, C for the front-end, and X, Y, Z for the back-end.
● Your team
If the project and tasks are attractive, next up is the team make up. The developer will want to know who they are working with, how long you’ve been working together, whether there are any mentor/mentee relationships or options within the role, and who are the superstars!
Consider this example: “The team now has 8 people: 1 React.js is responsible for the site, 1 React Native is responsible for the application, 2 backends, 1 QA, 1 designer, 1 PM, CEO and CTO”.
● The primary duties of the role
Here you can go into detail about specific tasks within the day-to-day. Specificity is very important. All companies are “building a product that will change the world” - but if they need to actually work with AWS, develop architecture, configure Kubernetes to actually do that world changing, they need to know. Be detailed!
● Who is perfect for the role?
In this section, simply write about the requirements of the person you need, from the most critical skills to the least. For instance, “Candidates must show strong knowledge of XYZ, basic ability of ABC, and experience with N will be a plus”.
● The working conditions
Coming towards the end of your job description is your “working environment”. No need to be convoluted, so word it something like this: “100% remote, 5-on and 2-off, no overtime, one meeting a day at 9 am, 20 days of paid vacation, membership to the gym or to a psychotherapist on your choice, the ability to influence decision-making, high load systems, knowledge sharing, performance review, code review and more”.
● Contacts for communication
If possible, keep it personal - leave your LinkedIn, business Whatsapp or direct email in the post.
That’s it! This is a tried and tested structure - the order keeps the text fresh, direct, and interesting to the candidate.
Oh, and lastly - what should you 100% NOT put in any job description or vacancy? ❌
● A young, dynamically developing company;
● An interesting project, new technologies;
● A leader in the industry;
● Startup spirit;
● “Thank you in advance”.
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