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Writing an Effective Job Description

Create job descriptions that attract qualified candidates and clearly communicate the role, requirements, and benefits.

Brandon Austin avatar
Written by Brandon Austin
Updated over a month ago

Quick Answer

Your Job Description is a required field that explains the position to potential candidates. Along with your Job Title, it must be completed before your job listing can be submitted for review. A clear, detailed description helps attract qualified candidates and reduces irrelevant applications.


Overview

The Description section is where you provide the details candidates need to decide if they're a good fit. A well-written job description explains the role, sets clear expectations, and highlights what makes your opportunity attractive. Your primary description (for HeritageWeb.com in English) is required—you can add additional versions in other languages for specific community publications after your listing is approved.

Job listings don't have private messaging, so candidates apply through the Job Website you provide. Make sure your description gives them enough information to submit a strong application.


Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Access Your Job Description

  1. Log into your Heritage Web dashboard.

  2. Click My Jobs in the left navigation.

  3. Select the job you want to edit.

  4. Click the Title & Overview tab (second tab).

  5. Locate your primary content block labeled Description (1) - HeritageWeb.com / English.

Step 2: Complete the Required Fields

Each description block contains three fields:

Field

Required

Description

Job Title

Yes

The position title

Tagline

No

A brief hook or summary (e.g., "Join Our Growing Immigration Practice")

Description

Yes

Full job details including responsibilities and requirements

  1. Enter a clear, accurate Job Title.

  2. Add a Tagline that highlights what makes this opportunity attractive (optional but recommended).

  3. Write your full Description in the text area.

Step 3: Write an Effective Description

Include these elements:

  • Role summary: What the position does and where it fits in the organization

  • Key responsibilities: Primary duties and daily activities

  • Required qualifications: Must-have skills, experience, and credentials

  • Preferred qualifications: Nice-to-have skills that strengthen applications

  • Language requirements: Especially important for community publication placement

  • Benefits and perks: What you offer beyond salary

  • Company overview: Brief description of your organization (unless covered in Hiring Organization section)

Avoid:

  • Vague descriptions that could apply to any job

  • Excessive jargon or internal terminology

  • Discriminatory language or requirements

  • Salary ranges in the description (use the Compensation field in Job Details)

  • Contact information embedded in text (provide your Job Website in the Locations tab)

Step 4: Save and Submit

  1. Review your description for clarity and completeness.

  2. Click Publish Draft at the top of the page.

  3. Your listing will be submitted for review.


Important Notes

  • Job Title and Description are required—your listing cannot be submitted without them.

  • Job listings do not have private messaging. Candidates apply through your Job Website URL.

  • Include language requirements clearly—this determines which community publications your job can appear on.

  • Job listings expire after 90 days but can be renewed.

  • Position details (job type, workplace type, compensation) are set in the Job Details tab, not the description.


FAQs

What's the ideal job description length?

Aim for 300–600 words. Include enough detail for candidates to self-select, but keep it scannable. Use short paragraphs and clear section breaks.

Should I include salary information in my description?

Use the Compensation field in the Job Details tab for salary information. You can mention benefits and perks in your description.

How do language requirements affect where my job appears?

If your job requires specific language skills (e.g., Farsi), it can appear on community publications like IranianLawyers.com. Language requirements are a legitimate job qualification—be clear and specific about what level is required.

Why can't candidates message me directly?

Job listings use the Job Website field as the primary application method. This provides a clear application workflow and integrates with your existing hiring process (ATS, careers page, etc.). Make sure to include a Job Website URL in the Locations tab.

Why was my job listing rejected?

Common reasons include: missing Hiring Organization information, vague description, invalid compensation details, or potential compliance issues. Check your rejection email for specific guidance.

What happens after 90 days?

Your job listing expires automatically. You'll receive a notification before expiration and can renew by resubmitting for review. This resets the 90-day timer.

Can I pause my job listing early?

Yes. Use the Publishing Status toggle to pause your listing if you've filled the position or want to temporarily stop applications. You can unpublish entirely or reactivate later.

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