When it's time to hire someone new for your company, you'll need to turn your attention to writing a job description.

An effective job description is a key part of attracting the right candidate for your job. A well-written description provides a short introduction to both the role and your company, letting candidates know what they can expect if they apply, and what is expected of them.

Writing an effective job description means offering a wealth of information in a concise format.

What are some of the things you can do to make sure your job description works for you?

Write a Clear Job Summary

This is where your job description starts, with the title of the job and a brief summary of what it entails.

This should leave your readers in no doubt as to the exact nature of the job you're advertising. Don't try to oversell it by stuffing the summary full of buzz words. Instead, keep it simple and to the point.

For example, if you're looking for a marketing manager, don't try to pack everything you need in that manager into one sentence.

Simply state what you need (an experienced marketing manager), which department they will be working for, and what the aim of their role will be.

Include the Main Responsibilities

As the article "5 Tips for Writing Effective Job Descriptions" points out, anyone who reads a detailed description of the job responsibilities should know right away if they are the right person for the job.

Choose a list of 10 or so key responsibilities for your job description, making sure you include the ones that you count as most important.

For example, instead of simply saying "manage training", list specific responsibilities such as "ensure each team member completes the required training by an agreed-upon date."

In addition to your job summary, the list of responsibilities should give applicants a clear sense of the day to day responsibilities of the job.

List the Key Skills

A list of key skills is a must in any job description.

When writing your job description, think carefully about the skills any candidate will need in order to succeed at the job. Be sure to differentiate between the skills that are absolutely necessary for the job, and those that can be learned on the job.

For example, a candidate may need a general familiarity with CRM software, but that doesn't mean they need to be familiar with the specific CRM software that your company uses.

Stick to the skills that are an absolute must for any candidate.

Add Important Information

Remember to include the following information in your job description:

• Salary and benefits;
• Who the successful applicant will be directly responsible to;
• Hours, including whether the position is full or part time, and temporary or permanent;
• Location, including where the position is based, if the applicant will be expected to travel, and if so how often and to where;
• Contact details and how to apply.

Key details such as these will help an applicant decide if a job is right for them, which cuts down the risk of interviewing applicants who have the right qualifications but who are looking for different hours or who cannot reach your location.

Your readers should be left in no doubt as to what the job entails, the hours and salary, and what it takes to do the job.

It all adds up to a clear description that lets applicants know whether they might be the right person for the job, allowing you to attract the best talent and find the right person for your company.

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About the Author: Tristan Anwyn is an author who writes on topics including social media, SEO, recruiting the right people for your business, and small business topics.