How to Write a Tech Job Description

A well-written job post helps you attract not only good candidates, but the right candidates. You want to sell your company and this position. If you’re specific about the skills you’re looking for, it helps job seekers know whether to apply. That can save you time by weeding out unqualified candidates.

We asked for advice from the folks at IT job sites Dice.com and TheLadders.com, a site for executive jobs, to help hiring managers write better job descriptions. They outlined these key components to attract the response you want from a job posting and to hire talent to help your company succeed.

Click through for tips on writing a top notch job description that will draw highly qualified job seekers.

Meet with the manager who will oversee the position that needs to be filled to get a clear understanding of the job.

Pay close attention to the keywords you need to include in the job title, job description and list of requirements. Tech professionals often search by tech skills (keywords). Include them in the job title, skills listing and job description to optimize search engine marketing.

Be specific about the job title –it will help narrow down the pool of applicants. It’s also helpful to do some research. Job titles in your organization should be comparable to similar jobs at other companies. For example:’Java, C++ Sr. Programmer’ generally will get a better response than ‘Programmer Analyst III.’

List skills, education, credentials and years of experience required to perform the job successfully. Be clear about which attributes are mandatory vs. preferred. You might also want to note that candidates who do not meet the minimum qualifications need not apply. State the position type (full time, part time or contract).

Delineate all key duties and responsibilities. In the description, paint a compelling picture of the full range of possibilities for the position and how the technology professional will benefit from the position over the long term. Specify to whom this person will report.

Focus on what candidates will gain by working for your company. Tech professionals value benefits such as telecommuting, flexible work environments and company-sponsored training and certification. Even company culture perks such as casual dress code and free snacks and beverages help attract great candidates.

Technology professionals search for very specific regions. Including a Zip code will make your job posting more effective.

Two-thirds of technology professionals will not apply to job postings that do not provide salary information, according to Tom Silver, senior vice president at Dice.com. Including a pay range will help you find your ideal candidate, he says. The Ladders points out that some hiring managers use salary information to discourage non-qualified applicants from applying, while others omit salary and use language such as ‘competitive salary’ or ‘salary commensurate with experience.’

Include a description of the company and creatively convey why the technology professional would want to work there.