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SHRM job description templates are a popular starting point for HR professionals who need well-structured job descriptions. A SHRM job description template provides a basic framework for attracting top talent and also setting clear expectations.
So, in this article, we’ll show you five SHRM job description templates you can use. We’ll also compare them to Ongig’s Text Analyzer to show you how using Ongig’s templates can improve your job descriptions and hiring results.
But first, what should you look for in any job description template?
Essential elements of a job description template
A well-structured job description is more than just a list of duties. It’s also a powerful hiring tool that helps you get the attention of right-fit candidates.
So whether you use SHRM templates or come up with your own templates, every job description should include these five essential elements:
Job Title & Summary
The job title should be clear, standard, and keyword-optimized to help job seekers find the role easily. So, keep it short and specific. You don’t need unnecessary jargon. For example, use “Sales Manager” as your title, instead of “Revenue Guru”.
Your job summary is also important as it provides a high-level overview of the role, including:
- What the position entails
- Why the role matters to the company’s success
- How it contributes to business goals
Key Responsibilities
This section defines what the employee will do daily. So, you should:
- Use bullet points for easy reading
- Focus on core tasks & measurable outcomes
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb (e.g., “Develop,” “Lead,” “Implement”)
- Avoid excessive detail. You can stick to 5-10 primary responsibilities
Qualifications & Skills
This section should outline the must-have and nice-to-have skills for the role. So, here are some best practices:
- Separate “Required” vs. “Preferred” qualifications
- Include both technical (hard) and soft skills
- Avoid inflated or outrageous requirements that may push away qualified candidates (e.g., requiring a Master’s for an entry-level job)
Compensation & Benefits
Salary transparency is becoming law in many regions (e.g., EU Pay Transparency Directive, California’s SB 1162). Therefore, including pay ranges and benefits makes job postings more compliant and appealing.
Clearly state the salary range, e.g., $80,000 – $100,000 per year. You should also highlight key perks like remote work or professional development allowances and mention bonuses if available.
Inclusivity & Compliance
Diversity and inclusion start with your job description. Biased language, gender-coded words, or exclusionary phrasing can reduce the number of diverse applicants you get.
So, to create inclusive job description templates:
- Use gender-neutral and inclusive language (e.g., “They will lead a team” instead of “He will lead a team”)
- Include an EEO statement to reinforce diversity commitment
- Avoid ageist or ableist terms (e.g., “young and energetic”)
If you want a platform that does not only provide you with job description templates but also optimizes your job descriptions for clarity, compliance, and inclusion, look no further than Ongig.
“Ongig enabled us to write job descriptions in plain English and be inclusive to under-represented groups. That’s what helped get us a 4X boost in applications.” –Trenton Manning (fmr. AVP of HR Nationwide Insurance)
So, request a demo of Ongig to see how you can create more effective job descriptions.
5 Examples of SHRM Job Description Templates
Inclusive and concise JDs attract the best talent. And, the pros at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) support efficient hiring practices, including writing great job descriptions (JDs).
So, here are 5 examples of a SHRM job description template to help streamline your search for top performers. I’ve also added tips to each for optimal results. Let’s dive in.
1. SHRM Job Description Template: Sales
In sales, there’s a constant need to keep up with changing customer demands, market movements, and public trends. Therefore, hiring the ideal sales manager is challenging (if not impossible) without a dynamic JD.
SHRM shares an excellent sales manager job description template:
So, what’s great about it? The JD immediately dives into organizational expectations like “Supervisory Responsibilities” and the duties for the role. It wastes no time on lengthy intros and irrelevant details.
Note: This sales job description template SHRM offers is for members only, so you will need to join for the downloadable version.
Additional Tips:
You might consider dividing your JD into 30-day periods, with each section offering candidates a better understanding of their job scope and learning objectives. For example, under the 60 days segment, hires may expect to strengthen their product and industry knowledge through one-to-one support.
I also recommend adding a D&I statement and salary/benefits information to the end of this template for better results.
2. SHRM Job Description Template: Legal
An effective JD matches the nature of a job role and company culture. So, hiring for a senior specialized role like a legal services supervisor requires JDs to identify core responsibilities and legal expertise.
SHRM’s Legal Services Supervisor job description template highlights the role’s daily duties, paralegal certifications, and industry knowledge (i.e., a basic understanding of court and administrative proceedings and documentation):
Note: This legal job description template SHRM offers is for members only, so you will need to join for the downloadable version.
Additional Tips:
You might also consider sorting legal responsibilities based on importance. For example, from managing all legal aspects of the company down to giving legal advice on various issues. Listing the role’s responsibilities in this order allows candidates to mentally unpack and prepare for the position.
Also, an effective JD might encourage candidates to apply for the role even if they do not meet every listed requirement. Legal practices and regulations change constantly, and applicants must adapt quickly to these shifts.
3. SHRM Job Description Template: Legal
The CMO handles a company’s overall marketing efforts. So, you might consider them the head creative who shapes a brand.
SHRM’S Marketing Director job description template reflects the responsibilities of a CMO:
A quality CMO job description template should emphasize the executive’s “voice”(creative direction) as a major selling point.
Note: This CMO job description template SHRM offers is for members only, so you will need to join for the downloadable version.
Additional Tips:
Give job seekers a mission or tell them a story about the role, especially in marketing roles. Here’s a great example from Clockwork. Their CMO JD sample tactfully positions applicants as the protagonist of the brand story, and presents a meaningful opportunity:
“We’re looking for a CMO responsible for defining and implementing our marketing and growth programs. Our CMO will work directly with our Co-Founder/CEO and take full ownership of our online presence and customer acquisition programs. This is an excellent opportunity to give voice to our brand and drive revenue growth through data-driven marketing campaigns.”
4. SHRM Job Description Template: CTO
CTOs (and CIOs — chief information officers) focus on effectively applying technology to reach organizational goals. SHRM’s CIO job description template captures this in the summary section:
“develop, plan, and implement an information technology (IT) strategy that meets the company’s business needs.”
Note: This CTO job description template SHRM offers is for members only, so you will need to join for the downloadable version.
Additional Tips:
A CTO job description should highlight a key outcome expected from the candidate. Therefore, positioning the high-level statement at the top of the JD summarizes the role and makes it easier to pave the rest of the way based on a desired outcome.
Also, sharing your company’s accolades, industry recognitions, values, and culture is important to provide context for their contributions (especially for C-suite roles).
5. SHRM Job Description Template: CSO
Corporate environment responsibilities (CERs) have become key for modern co.s that come with increased awareness of their organizational impact. A trusted CSO guides your corporate sustainability strategy to ensure operations run smoothly (without compromising communities and the natural environment).
So, SHRM’s CSO job description template highlights the role’s importance of minimizing the company’s environmental impact:
Additional Tips:
The “Required Skills/Abilities” section is longer than 7 bullets. Long lists of requirements may deter women and neurodivergent candidates from applying.
Additionally, consider removing “general” requirements like “Excellent verbal and written communication skills” or “Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail” from your list. Anyone who applies will likely have these skills anyway.
SHRM vs Ongig: Which job description templates work better?
SHRM job description templates provide a solid starting point, offering basic role outlines and standardized language. However, you need more than just a template. You need job descriptions that are also optimized for clarity, inclusivity, and compliance.
So, that’s where Ongig’s job description platform outshines SHRM templates. Instead of manually tweaking static templates, Ongig automates JD creation, enhances readability, and ensures compliance. Thus, helping you attract the right talent faster.
| Feature | SHRM templates | Ongig templates |
| Pre-built JD Templates | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bias Detection & DEI Optimization | ❌ | ✔ |
| SEO & Readability Enhancements | ❌ | ✔ |
| ATS Integration for Easy Posting | ❌ | ✔ |
| Real-Time Compliance Checks | ❌ | ✔ |
Why do companies use Ongig?
- Pre-built AI-enhanced job descriptions: With Ongig, you can start with a structured template, then let our AI optimize for readability, engagement, and inclusivity.
- Real-time bias detection: Ongig helps you avoid gender-coded words, corporate jargon, and exclusionary phrases that can reduce applicant diversity.
- SEO-friendly job descriptions: Get optimized job descriptions that rank higher in search results and attract more qualified candidates.
- One-click ATS & job board posting: Ongig integrates seamlessly with your ATS and job boards, helping you avoid manual copy-pasting.
- Legal & compliance safeguards: Stay ahead of salary transparency laws, OFCCP rules, and other hiring regulations.
So, with Ongig, you get clear, inclusive, and optimized job descriptions. Request a demo of Ongig today.
Note: Need more job description templates? Head to Ongig’s blog for samples, tips, and steps for creating the best job descriptions on the planet.
Why I Wrote This:
Ongig is on a mission to eliminate boring and biased JDs. We believe using resources like a SHRM job description template and software to write better JDs will help boost your talent pool. So, please request a demo to learn about Ongig’s Text Analyzer for job descriptions.
Shout-outs:
- Writing the ultimate sales representative job description (by Josh Bean, Zendesk Blog)
- Sales Manager Job Description Template (SHRM)
- Legal Services Supervisor Job Description Template (SHRM)
- Crafting the Perfect Job Description for Chief Legal Officers (by HiPeople)
- Marketing Director Job Description Template (SHRM)
- Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Job Description Sample (by Clockwork)
- CTO Job Description Template (Monster)
- Chief Information Officer Job Description Template (SHRM)
- Chief Sustainability Officer Job Description Template (SHRM)
