Why Great Hiring Starts with Better Job Descriptions
We often think of hiring as beginning with sourcing, advertising, or interviews. But in truth, it starts much earlier – with the job description. A well-written JD isn’t just a list of responsibilities; it’s the first impression a candidate has of your company. Get it right, and you’ll attract motivated, qualified people who are excited about the role. Get it wrong, and you risk losing them before the process has even begun.
Common job description mistakes
Too many job descriptions fall into the same traps:
Overly generic – candidates can’t see how the role differs from dozens of others.
Unrealistic wish lists – “unicorn” expectations that put off great applicants who don’t tick every box.
Dry or corporate tone – making exciting opportunities sound uninspiring
Exclusionary language – phrases that unintentionally discourage diverse applicants.
Each of these can shrink your talent pool before you’ve even had a chance to meet potential candidates.
Inclusive and engaging language
Candidates today are looking for more than just a pay cheque. They want to feel included, valued, and excited by what they’re joining. That means using language that is:
Clear and welcoming – avoiding jargon and buzzwords.
Inclusive – gender-neutral, bias-free, and mindful of accessibility.
Engaging – bringing the role and company culture to life with real personality.
A strong job description doesn’t just describe the role – it tells a story about the impact someone can make.
How recruiters can help
This is where an experienced recruiter makes all the difference. At Talent Search, we help employers refine their job descriptions so they:
Highlight what truly matters to candidates.
Balance essential skills with realistic “nice-to-haves.”
Showcase your company’s values and culture in a way that feels authentic.
Appeal to a broad, diverse audience.
By optimising the JD, we set the stage for stronger applications, better candidate engagement, and a smoother hiring process from start to finish.
Final thoughts
A job description might feel like a small detail, but it’s the foundation of great hiring. It’s the moment where interest is sparked – or lost.
So before you post your next role, ask yourself: does this job description excite the kind of person I want to hire? If not, it might be time for a refresh.
At Talent Search, we’re here to help businesses craft job descriptions that don’t just fill roles – they attract the right people to grow your team and culture. Because better hiring really does start with better job descriptions.
