As the modern workforce evolves, so do the expectations and preferences of job seekers. Flexible, part-time, and hybrid roles have gained immense popularity, offering a work-life balance and adaptability that appeals to a wide range of professionals.
However, attracting the right candidates for these positions requires well-crafted job descriptions that effectively communicate the unique nature of these roles.
In this guide we’ll cover 10 key tips and strategies for writing a good job description specifically tailored to flexible, part-time or hybrid jobs.
01. Job title
Start with a clear job title
It’s a good idea to begin your job description with a concise and accurate job title that reflects the position’s flexibility. Avoid using ambiguous or ‘clever’ titles like ‘brand guru’ (designer), or ‘director of first impressions’ (receptionist), as these can be confusing and attract the wrong applicants for the role.
Titles such as “Part-Time In-house Legal Counsel,” “Flexible Finance Director,” or “Hybrid Head of People” instantly communicate the work arrangement and set the right expectations.
02. Introduction
Write an engaging introduction
Write a brief introduction that highlights the company’s mission, values, and culture.
This section should also emphasise the importance of the role and how it contributes to the organisation’s success.
Highlight any employee-centric initiatives or policies that align with the flexibility and work-life balance provided by the position. Use this opportunity to capture the candidate’s interest and make them excited about the position.
03. Responsibilities
Describe specific responsibilities
Outline the primary responsibilities and duties of the position, providing a clear understanding of what the job actually entails.
Be specific and use action verbs to describe what the employee will be doing on a day-to-day basis. Focus on the essential duties and avoid overwhelming the reader with too much non-essential information.
Highlight any unique aspects of the role that make it particularly well-suited for those seeking a flexible arrangement.
04. Desired skills
Focus on desired skills and experience
Clearly state the essential qualifications, skills, and experience required for the role.
Differentiate clearly between “required” and “preferred” qualifications. This helps applicants understand if they meet the minimum requirements and encourages those who exceed them to apply.
Emphasise any specific attributes that would make a candidate successful in a flexible or part-time position, such as strong time management skills, self-motivation, or the ability to work independently. Mention any desired experience in remote or hybrid work environments, if applicable.
05. Flexibility
Highlight flexibility and work arrangement
Explicitly mention the flexibility and work arrangement offered by the position. If it’s apart-time role clearly state the number of hours or days per week required. If it’s a hybrid role involving a mix of remote and in-office work include detail on what that mix looks like; is the employee free to choose their own office days, or is there a requirement for specific days to be office-based to enable team meetings etc.
Emphasise work-life balance: highlight the benefits of a good work-life balance and how the position supports it. Ensure the job description provides sufficient information about flexible scheduling, the ability to choose work hours within a given timeframe, the opportunity to work remotely, etc.
Provide information on how the business supports the flexibility in the role; include some information on systems, equipment and processes that have been developed for, and support remote or hybrid working practices. It’s a good idea to include some examples of senior team members’ own flexible working arrangements if possible, so the candidate can evaluate if the flexibility offered will suit their own needs.
06. Growth and development
Highlight growth and development opportunities
Mention any opportunities for professional development, career advancement, and additional training or learning within the organisation.
This will help to attract candidates who are looking for long-term growth and progression in their careers.
07. Salary & benefits
Include information on salary and benefit
Clearly state the salary structure and outline any benefits or perks associated with the position, such as bonuses, pensions, health insurance, employee share schemes etc.
Be clear about any qualifying period to be eligible for these benefits.
08. Language
Use inclusive and unbiased language
Ensure that the job description uses inclusive language and avoids any potential biases. This helps attract a diverse pool of candidates and promotes fairness and equality in the hiring process.
09. Short & sweet
Keep it concise and scannable
Use bullet points, subheadings, and short paragraphs to make the job description easy to read and scan.
Avoid long, dense blocks of text, which can discourage applicants from reading the entire description and result in applications from unqualified candidates, or even mean that the perfect candidate fails to apply.
10. Check it!
Proofread and edit
Before publishing the job description, proof read it carefully for grammatical errors or typos. Make sure the information is accurate and up to date.
It’s always a good idea to have someone else review the description to get feedback and ensure clarity.
It’s also a good idea to include the date of creation, and the estimated review date to ensure it remains accurate and current in the future.
Final thoughts
Remember, a well-crafted job description can attract the highest calibre candidates who are genuinely interested in the position, while reducing applications from those who are not sufficiently qualified or experienced to suit the role – saving both their time and your own.
Take the time to create a clear and engaging description that accurately represents the role and your company, and you’ll increase your chances of attracting the prefect candidate for the role.
At CJ. Talent, we’ve been experts in flexible working for over 16 years, which means we have the experience to guide and assist you when creating job descriptions for flexible roles which will help attract your ideal candidates.
If you’d like to find out more about us and how we can help you find and attract the talent your business needs, please contact us today. We’re always happy to chat.
