Top Tips for Creating a Job Description

Let’s be real—writing a job description (JD) is no walk in the park. It’s tempting to dig out the same old template, but a fresh, well-crafted JD can mean the difference between being ignored or catching the eye of a superstar candidate.

Here are some top tips for job descriptions to help yours shine:

1. Get the Job Title Right

This one sounds simple, but we know job titles can be all over the place. Keep it clear and skip the fancy jargon. Make sure the title reflects the actual role. No cryptic or overly creative titles that leave candidates scratching their heads.

2. Separate the Must-Haves from the Nice-to-Haves

Be specific about what the role really involves – use bullet points for easy scanning. Charity roles can be a mixed bag, and listing every single possible qualification and experience could scare off good people. Be clear about what’s essential and what’s just a bonus, so you don’t miss out on great talent who have loads of potential.

3. Shout About Growth Opportunities

Charity professionals want to make a difference, but they’re also looking for places where they can grow. Thus spell out how the role offers opportunities for development, like leadership training, taking on big projects, or stepping up to senior roles. With 75% of charity pros saying career development is a big deal when job hunting. This could be your golden ticket to getting noticed.

4. Paint a Picture of Your Culture

Don’t just list benefits—showcase what it’s like to be part of the team! Talk about your culture, your mission, and how this role fits into the bigger picture. Flexibility is a huge win for candidates these days, with 63% of charity workers saying it’s one of the top benefits they look for. If you’ve got remote work options, flexible hours, or other perks, don’t be shy—let them know!

5. Keep it Inclusive

Make your JD as inviting as possible. Use language that’s welcoming and inclusive—this isn’t just a box to tick. In fact, 56% of charity workers say they’re more likely to apply if an organization shows a real commitment to diversity and inclusion. Highlight your dedication to EDI and open the door to a wide range of candidates who can bring new perspectives and skills.

6. Add a Splash of Excitement

People in the charity sector are driven by impact, so make sure they can see it! Also, show how this role contributes to the organisation’s goals, whether it’s smashing fundraising targets or supporting local communities. So, toss in a testimonial from a current employee or share a success story to give candidates a taste of the difference they could make.

7. Talk About the Bigger Picture

In this sector, it’s often not just a job but candidates are looking for purpose. Explain the organisation’s long-term goals and how the candidate can help achieve them. When you highlight the bigger picture, you’re more likely to attract people who are not just skilled, but also passionate about your cause.

At Ashby Jenkins Recruitment, we are a charity sector specialist agency recruiting specifically for fundraising, marketing and communications, and fundraising operations roles.

Let us be your end-to-end recruitment partner and support hiring managers with sourcing top talent and streamlining the recruitment process. Or even with top tips like these for writing a job description!

If you would like to read more insights into the charity sector recruitment market, check out the rest of our blog posts.

*The statistics in this blog were obtained from the CharityJob Salary Report 2024 and which you can download here and their Benefits Report 2023 which you can download here

About the Author

Heather is a Fundraising Consultant at Ashby Jenkins Recruitment, and she specialises in charity sector recruitment. If you would like to get in contact with her, please email [email protected].