Job Descriptions Job Description Writing Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What writing style is most effective for job description bullet points?
- Begin with action verbs (Correct answer)
- Use passive voice
- Write full paragraphs
- Avoid specific details
Correct answer: Begin with action verbs
Starting bullet points with action verbs like 'manage,' 'develop,' or 'coordinate' makes duties clear and concise.
Question 2: Which of the following is a best practice when describing required qualifications in a job description?
- List every possible preferred skill as required
- Distinguish between required and preferred qualifications (Correct answer)
- Use vague terms like 'good communicator'
- Omit educational requirements
Correct answer: Distinguish between required and preferred qualifications
Separating required from preferred qualifications helps candidates self-screen and prevents discouraging qualified applicants.
Question 3: Why should jargon and internal acronyms be avoided in job descriptions?
- They make the description look unprofessional
- They confuse candidates unfamiliar with company-specific terms (Correct answer)
- They violate employment law
- They increase word count unnecessarily
Correct answer: They confuse candidates unfamiliar with company-specific terms
External candidates may not recognize internal acronyms or jargon, causing confusion and reducing application rates.
Question 4: What is the recommended average length for a well-written job description?
- 100–200 words
- 300–700 words (Correct answer)
- 1,000–1,500 words
- 2,000+ words
Correct answer: 300–700 words
Research shows 300–700 word job descriptions attract the most applicants while providing sufficient detail.
Question 5: When writing the job summary section, what should be the primary focus?
- Company history
- The role's purpose and how it contributes to company goals (Correct answer)
- Salary details
- Vacation policy
Correct answer: The role's purpose and how it contributes to company goals
The job summary should quickly convey the role's purpose and its impact so candidates can determine fit.
Question 6: Which element helps make a job description more scannable for online job seekers?
- Dense paragraphs
- Bullet points and clear section headers (Correct answer)
- Large blocks of italicized text
- Minimal white space
Correct answer: Bullet points and clear section headers
Bullet points and headers allow candidates to quickly locate key information like requirements and responsibilities.
Job Descriptions Job Description Writing Skills 1
What writing style is most effective for job description bullet points?