Hiring
How to write a job description
A clear description brings you candidates closer to what you need.
A good choice starts with the description. A vague description brings back vague candidates.
This guide helps you write a short description of a permanent role at your venue, before you post it.
The short answer
Write the daily work as verbs, the hours as days and times, and separate what must be there from what would be a bonus. Then say when you want someone to start.
The daily work, as verbs
Instead of “a skilled barista”, write exactly what they’ll do in their day.
Barista, full-time, a café in Cairo.
Prepares drinks, cleans the bar, and helps with orders at busy times.
Six days a week, 8 AM to 4 PM.
Hours and contract
- Full-time or part-time. This decides who can apply in the first place.
- The days. Which days of the week.
- The hours. From when to when. If they vary, say so from the start.
Must-haves, and nice-to-haves
Split what you need in the person into two parts: things without which the work won’t run, and things that would be a bonus. A long list of “musts” narrows the choice for no reason.
- Must-have: has worked behind a bar before.
- Nice to have: can use the till system.
Keep every requirement tied to the work itself.
The start, and the next step
Say when you need someone to start, so whoever reads the description knows whether it suits them.
Summary
Complete this description before you post it:
- Role
- The name you use for it at your venue
- Hours
- Full-time or part-time
- Days and hours
- From when to when
- Daily work
- Three verbs: what they do
- Must-have
- Without it, the work won’t run
- Nice to have
- Better if it’s there
- Start
- From when