ClauseryFree job description template (Word)
A document describing a role being hired for — title, department, reporting line, responsibilities, required/desired qualifications, location, compensation range and benefits.
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A job description (JD) defines a role for hiring, performance management and legal compliance. It tells candidates what the job entails, sets expectations for employees, and supports pay equity by describing role levels consistently.
Keep job descriptions current — update when duties change. Avoid language that could discourage protected groups (e.g. 'rockstar', 'energetic recent grad') and list essential vs marginal functions to support ADA accommodation decisions.
What to include#
- Role basics. Job title, department, reports-to, location (on-site/hybrid/remote), employment type (full-time/part-time/contract) and FLSA status (exempt/non-exempt).
- Role summary. A 2-3 sentence overview of why the role exists and its primary purpose.
- Key responsibilities. 5-10 bullet points of core duties and outcomes (start with verbs, focus on results).
- Requirements. Required qualifications (education, years of experience, skills, certifications) and preferred qualifications — separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.
- Compensation and benefits. Salary range (required by pay-transparency laws in many US states), bonus/equity, benefits, and equal-opportunity employer statement.
How to fill it in#
Step 1: Start with outcomes
Define what success in the role looks like in 6-12 months, not just a task list.
Step 2: Be specific about skills
List concrete technical/soft skills rather than vague traits (e.g. 'proficient with SQL' vs 'data driven').
Step 3: Include pay range
Pay-transparency laws in CA, NY, CO, WA and others require a salary range — always include one.
Step 4: Separate essential functions
Identify duties fundamental to the role to support ADA accommodation decisions.
Step 5: Review before posting
Have hiring manager and HR/legal review; update with each hiring round to reflect the role accurately.
Related templates and guides
Questions
Is a job description a contract?
No — it describes the role but most US employment is at-will; duties can evolve.
Do I have to post the salary range?
Required by law in many US states (CA, CO, NY, WA, and others) and growing — best practice always.
How long should it be?
1-2 pages is ideal; long lists of duties discourage candidates.
Can I require a degree?
Only if it is genuinely necessary — degree inflation discourages diverse candidates and may have legal implications.
Should I list every duty?
Cover the major responsibilities; add 'other duties as assigned' so the role can evolve.
These are general templates, not legal or tax advice. Have anything unusual reviewed for your jurisdiction.