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If you need to write better job descriptions, there are a few great free tools to use.
However, if a free tool isn’t getting you what you need for writing job descriptions, check out Ongig’s Text Analyzer. So, for more tips on how to write better job descriptions, check out How to Write a Job Description — Best Practices & Examples.
1. Hemingway App
Hemingway App can help you write concise and tight job descriptions. It also checks your writing for style to ensure that candidates will focus on your actual job description.
So, why does it matter? Conciseness is crucial because lengthy job posts might discourage potential candidates from reading your entire job ad. It also prevents misunderstandings and saves time. A well-written job description increases your chances of attracting the right candidates through online job boards.
The Hemingway App measures the readability of your text using grade levels. So, the lower the grade level, the more understandable your message is. Straightforward writing appeals to everyone, regardless of their education level.
The Hemingway App also highlights words, phrases, and grammatical structures that complicate your writing, such as adverbs and passive voice. They unnecessarily lengthen sentences and slow down reading.
In addition, words and sentences are highlighted in yellow, meaning they need to be split or shorter. If the highlight is red, it indicates a sentence that is ‘very hard to read’ and needs to be edited to make it more understandable. Or if you see a purple highlight, it will suggest a better alternative.
You can also format your text into bullet points or numbers, bold, italicize, or even turn a highlighted bit of text into a link. You can also turn paragraphs into different heading sizes.
Caveat: Hemingway app highlights are only a guide, so you don’t have to fix everything highlighted. Some long sentences work well and won’t need any edits. So, the goal is to lower your readability score to simplify your writing to write better job descriptions.
How does it work?
Just copy and paste your job description text into Hemingway and you can see things like:
- The grade level of your writing (this IBM job description is at the 14th-grade level which is “poor” and Hemingway recommends you aim for 9th grade)
- Use of adverbs, active versus passive voice, and length of sentences
- The number of letters, characters, words, sentences, paragraphs, and reading time
2. Microsoft Word’s Readability Statistics
If you’re a Microsoft app user, MS Word has a simple tool. Just go to Tools/Options/Spelling Grammar and make sure “Readability Statistics” is checked off.
So, it lets you see some basic stats like # of words, words per sentence, and grade level.
Nike’s JD that I tested did well in terms of 0 passive sentences but could use some help lowering the grade level of readability
According to Readable, the Flesch Reading Ease scores a text between 1 and 100, with 100 being the highest readability score. Therefore, scoring between 70 and 80 is equivalent to school grade level 8. Scores are based on two factors:
- Sentence length. As judged by the average number of words in a sentence
- Word length. As judged by the average number of syllables in a word
So, aim for a grade level of around 8, which can be read by schoolchildren aged 13 and 14. This means text should be fairly easy for the average adult to read.
3. ReadabilityFormulas.com
This tool helps you write better job descriptions by digging deeper into readability algorithms (or “algos” as some of us nerds call it).
For example, it shows this Apple Care work from home job description as hard to read. It even lists out 3-syllable “hard words” as in harder-than-average to read.
4. Gender Decoder for Job Ads
This tool has a complete list of words (prefixes and suffixes) that are considered masculine and feminine. It also checks job adverts for the appearance of any of these words. It calculates the relative proportion of masculine-coded and feminine-coded words to reach an overall verdict on the gender coding of the advert.
So, how does it work to help you write better job descriptions?
Firstly, paste your job description into this tool to help you write gender-neutral JDs. Next, the job ad is analyzed when you hit the “check” button. It will then generate a general result that the advert is either strongly ‘male-coded’ or ‘female-coded’ and identify male-coded and female-coded words in the ad.
5. Grammarly Free Online Checker
One of the most popular writing tools online offers almost end-to-end services to write a flawless and effective job description:
A. Generate a free job description
A job description tool can help you generate job descriptions in seconds, speeding up your workflow so you spend more time on other essential recruiting tasks like interviews.
When creating job descriptions, it’s best to provide significant information. Therefore, the more detailed your prompts are, the more precise and more personalized your job description will be. Make sure to include the following information in your prompt:
- Details of your job posting, including the job title, specific skills, key responsibilities and requirements
- Your desired format (e.g., put the job responsibilities in a bulleted list)
- The tone you’d like your job description to have
- Specifics about your company
How does it work?
Step 1: Enter the job title
Step 2: Add company details like company name and employee benefits
Step 3: Grammarly provides information about the Key Responsibilities and Required Skills and Qualifications sections. And voila! You have a ready-to-use job description.
You can adjust your drafts as needed to achieve the proper formality, tone, and length with just a few clicks.
B. Scans and corrects your job description for grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors
After generating your job description, Grammarly checks the following:
- Grammar – underlines and explains major grammar problems like dangling modifiers or run-on sentences
- Spelling – underline typos and basic spelling mistakes just like in MS Word
- Punctuation – underline punctuation problems like unnecessary apostrophes or missing periods or commas.
- Conciseness – Like the Hemingway app, it scans your job descriptions for redundant words and rambling sentences and offers a simple, concise alternative to make your message punchier.
Bonuses:
- Tone detection will tell you the tone of your writing. For example, it may tell you that your job listings may sound too formal or friendly.
- It works for different versions of the English language. You can choose between American, UK, Australian, or Canadian English.
How does it work?
Paste your text or start typing below to pinpoint grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Hover over the underlines to see suggestions. Click a suggestion to accept it.
6. ChatGPT
There are plenty of ways ChatGPT can help you write better job descriptions:
A. Remove biased words in your job descriptions
ChatGPT can help you write better job descriptions that appeal to candidates from diverse backgrounds.
It will scan your job posting for biased words and phrases and suggest more inclusive language.
Example:
Prompt: Scan the following job posting for any biased language related to age, ethnicity, or educational background:
Senior Tutor: Command Education
Result:
After scanning, ChatGPT indicated the job description contains biased language related to educational background:
The job posting from Command Education includes a requirement that could be seen as biased toward educational background:
Educational Background Requirement: The requirement for candidates to have completed a BA/BS degree from an Ivy League or top-tier college could be considered exclusionary and may perpetuate educational elitism. This requirement potentially discriminates against candidates who may have equivalent qualifications and experience but graduated from institutions not considered “Ivy League or top-tier.” This might limit diversity within the applicant pool by excluding potentially qualified candidates based on the prestige of their educational institution rather than their skills or capabilities.
This type of requirement can also indirectly lead to biases related to ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geographical location, as access to top-tier colleges is often unevenly distributed across these groups.
To make the job posting more inclusive and focused on competencies rather than pedigree, Command Education could consider revising this requirement to emphasize the skills and knowledge required, rather than the prestige of the educational institution attended. They could state a preference for a degree in relevant fields or specify the skills and knowledge expected from the education, without limiting it to Ivy League or top-tier universities.
It doesn’t end there. It would suggest a more inclusive alternative:
Prompt: Suggest a more inclusive alternative
Result:
Here’s an alternative way to phrase the educational requirement to make it more inclusive and focused on the skills and knowledge necessary for the position:
Requirements:
- Education: Completion of a BA/BS degree in a relevant field. We value diverse educational backgrounds and are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate a firm grasp of SAT and ACT content, exceptional teaching abilities, and a deep interest in academic development and student success.
- Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of one year of SAT/ACT teaching and/or tutoring experience and be proficient in teaching all sections of the SAT and ACT.
- Work Authorization: Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
- Skills: Applicants should be self-starters with strong communication and organizational skills, excellent follow-through, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small, high-functioning team.
This revised requirement opens the opportunity to a broader range of qualified candidates while maintaining high standards for the skills and experiences necessary for the role.
B. Perform A/B testing
Experiment with different job description variations. A/B test your JD to identify the most effective messaging and format. So, test headlines, descriptions, and calls to action to improve candidate engagement and application rates.
Prompt: Generate two job descriptions for a CPA
Job Description 1: Senior CPA – Tax Specialist
Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Certified Public Accountant (CPA) specializing in tax services to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will manage tax compliance, planning, and strategy for our diverse clientele, including corporations, partnerships, and high-net-worth individuals.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and review federal and state income taxes for individuals, businesses, and other entities.
- Advise clients on tax implications of business decisions and help plan strategies to minimize tax liabilities.
- Conduct detailed analyses to ensure clients comply with regulations and benefit from applicable tax incentives.
- Stay updated on the latest tax laws and regulations.
- Lead client meetings to discuss tax matters, provide updates, and offer strategic advice.
- Collaborate with the accounting team to integrate tax planning with overall business strategies.
- Supervise and mentor junior tax staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance in their work.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field; Master’s degree in Taxation preferred.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
- At least 5 years of experience in tax accounting and compliance with a public accounting firm.
- Proficient in tax preparation software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
Job Description 2: CPA – Financial Auditor
Job Overview:
A reputable financial services firm is looking for a detail-oriented Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to join our audit team. The successful candidate will perform financial audits across a range of industries, ensuring compliance with financial reporting and accounting standards.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and execute financial audits to ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable laws and regulations.
- Analyze financial statements and accounting records for accuracy and legal compliance.
- Identify audit issues and recommend improvements in internal controls and accounting procedures.
- Prepare audit reports, presenting findings and recommendations to management and key stakeholders.
- Collaborate with clients to understand their business processes and needs.
- Manage multiple audit engagements, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Train and supervise junior auditors, providing guidance and support to enhance their professional skills.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in financial auditing within a public accounting firm.
- Strong knowledge of auditing standards, procedures, and applicable laws.
- Proficient in audit software and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Exceptional analytical, technical, and research skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of staff and clients.
We Offer:
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including health, vision, and dental insurance.
- A dynamic, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
- Continuous professional development and career growth opportunities.
Prompt: Create 2 variations of the two job descriptions: headlines, descriptions, and calls to action
ChatGPT provided 2 variants for headlines, job descriptions, and CTA’s:
Headlines
Variant A (Senior CPA – Tax Specialist): “Join Our Elite Team of Tax Experts – Senior CPA Needed!”
Variant B (CPA – Financial Auditor): “Drive Financial Compliance – Become Our Next CPA Auditor!”
Job Descriptions:
Variant A (Senior CPA – Tax Specialist): Focus on detailing tax planning and compliance, highlighting advisory roles, and client interaction.
Variant B (CPA – Financial Auditor): Emphasize audit execution, compliance importance, and the role’s impact on client financial health.
Calls to Action
Variant A (Senior CPA – Tax Specialist): “Apply Now to Start Making a Difference in Tax Strategy!”
Variant B (CPA – Financial Auditor): “Ready to Lead Audits That Matter? Apply Today!”
Create multiple versions of your job post elements (headlines, descriptions, and calls to action). Randomly show different combinations of these elements to website visitors. Track which versions perform best by measuring click-through rates, application rates, and conversions.
Once you have enough data, use ChatGPT to analyze the results and identify the most effective combination of elements so you can optimize your job postings to attract more qualified candidates.
Prompt: Analyze which version performs best based on the following data below
Headline
Variant A:
CTR: 2.5%
Application Rate: 1.2%
Conversion Rate: 0.6%
Variant B:
CTR: 1.8%
Application Rate: 0.9%
Conversion Rate: 0.4%
Job Description
Variant A:
CTR: 3.2%
Application Rate: 1.5%
Conversion Rate: 0.8%
Variant B:
CTR: 2.9%
Application Rate: 1.3%
Conversion Rate: 0.7%
Call to Action
Variant A:
CTR: 4.5%
Application Rate: 2.0%
Conversion Rate: 1.2%
Variant B:
CTR: 4.1%
Application Rate: 1.8%
Conversion Rate: 1.0%
Headline
Variant A performs better:
Click-through Rate (CTR): 2.5% vs. 1.8% for Variant B
Application Rate: 1.2% vs. 0.9% for Variant B
Conversion Rate: 0.6% vs. 0.4% for Variant B
Job Description
Variant A also performs better:
Click-through Rate (CTR): 3.2% vs. 2.9% for Variant B
Application Rate: 1.5% vs. 1.3% for Variant B
Conversion Rate: 0.8% vs. 0.7% for Variant B
Call to Action
Variant A again outperforms Variant B:
Click-through Rate (CTR): 4.5% vs. 4.1% for Variant B
Application Rate: 2.0% vs. 1.8% for Variant B
Conversion Rate: 1.2% vs. 1.0% for Variant B
Overall Analysis
Across all metrics—CTR, application rate, and conversion rate—Variant A consistently outperforms Variant B. This suggests that the content and structure of Variant A are more effective at engaging potential candidates, prompting them to click through, apply, and eventually convert at higher rates compared to Variant B.
Given these results, it would be advisable to use Variant A for the headline, job description, and call to action in the job postings to maximize potential job applicants’ engagement and conversion.
7. Canva
While not explicitly designed for job descriptions, this free graphic design tool can create visually appealing job postings with images, icons, and text.
This online graphic design tool provides the following:
- Free Job template for job designs you can easily customize and share.
- Job vacancy announcement templates help you fill open roles while attracting the best job seekers. Easily edit any design to create an impressive and informative job announcement.
- Recruitment poster templates – pool in the best applicants using design ideas from free templates that you can personalize.
Write Better Job Descriptions: Reviewing and Updating JDs
Write Better Job Descriptions by Keeping Your JDs Fresh
A great job description is more than just a list of requirements and responsibilities. It’s the first impression a potential employee has of your company. Over time, roles evolve, and the demands of the job change. So, that’s why it’s a good idea to not only write better job descriptions but to regularly review and update them.
Write Better Job Descriptions by Reflecting Current Needs and Trends
The job market is constantly changing, with new skills and technologies emerging all the time. Your job descriptions should reflect these trends to attract top talent. Therefore, by keeping them up to date, you ensure that you’re reaching the right people. This is especially important for hiring managers who want to find a good fit for their open positions.
Write Better Job Descriptions to Improve Your Hiring Process
Updating your job descriptions is also a great opportunity to enhance your hiring process. A well-crafted job description helps set clear expectations for prospective candidates. It should also include enough information about the company culture, salary range, and specific terms related to the role. This can also help prospective employees determine if they are a good fit for the company’s culture and the job requirements.
Write Better Job Descriptions to Attract Top Talent
A clear job description that uses language effectively can help attract the best candidates. This is because it gives a clear overview of the role and highlights the essential functions. So, when you regularly update your job descriptions, you’re more likely to catch the attention of the right talent during the recruitment process. Also, search engines favor fresh content. So, updated job descriptions are more likely to be seen by target candidates.
Write Better Job Descriptions to Stay Compliant and Relevant
Legal requirements and organizational culture can change over time. Therefore, updating your job descriptions ensures they meet current legal standards and accurately reflect your company’s corporate culture. This also helps in setting clear expectations for both current and new employees.
Write Better Job Descriptions to Boost Your Employer Brand
Lastly, regularly reviewing and updating job descriptions is an effective way to strengthen your employer brand. It shows that your company values clarity and transparency, which can attract both new hires and great candidates. So, remember, a well-maintained job description isn’t just for external use. It’s also helpful for internal use, such as during performance reviews or when defining the role for current team members.
If you want a paid job description writing tool.
These tools are great for helping you write better job descriptions one at a time. And they are free!
If you want all of your job descriptions to be the best-written in the world, you might consider Ongig’s Text Analyzer. It analyzes the bias, readability and overall appeal of your jobs to top-tier talent. We even have a pro copywriting team to then rewrite them for you.
Ping me for our latest demo if you think we can help!
