How To Write Job Requirements, With Examples

In today's competitive job market, a job posting needs a well-written requirements section to be effective. This involves accurately outlining the qualifications and specific skills needed in the position.

This description is often the first interaction a potential candidate has with a company, and it can greatly impact their decision to apply.

This guide will outline what job requirements are and provide a step-by-step approach to identifying and writing job requirements.

What are job requirements?

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Job requirements are a list of qualifications, skills, experiences, and personal attributes an applicant must possess to be considered for a job. This information should be included in the job description, as it helps attract qualified and suitable candidates. It also enables job seekers to accurately self-evaluate their fit for the role.

The requirements should encompass both hard skills, such as expertise in a particular software program, and soft skills, such as communication and teamwork abilities. Moreover, the job requirements may include the necessary educational qualifications, licenses, or accreditations required for the position.

Who should write job requirements?

Writing job requirements is a task best suited for professionals in your company with a thorough understanding of the job position and necessary qualifications.

Individuals responsible for creating job requirements can include the hiring managers or company leaders the worker may report to.

Subject matter experts may also write job requirements. These individuals typically hold related job positions in the company and possess comprehensive knowledge of the business's daily operations and required education, experience, and personal attributes.

Human resources personnel may also be involved in writing job requirements, as they have specialized training in the recruitment process and onboarding of new employees.

They have a broad-level understanding of the most significant aspects of the job, the company’s overall goals, and hiring objectives. In addition, they may also consider the company's ability to provide training on specific job responsibilities.

Collaboration is common among all of the above members to create the most accurate job requirements. These professionals bring their unique perspectives, knowledge, and expertise to the table, ensuring the requirements are comprehensive and well-defined.

When writing job requirements, the job type should be considered, as requirements can vary significantly. Full-time positions may allow for additional training provided by the company to ensure the employee's success.

Conversely, one-time contracts or freelancing projects may have more specific requirements and demand highly qualified independent contractors. Therefore, when selecting a professional to draft the job requirement section, it’s best to opt for someone with the most knowledge about the required work hours and qualifications based on the job type.

How to write job requirements

Writing job requirements involves several steps to ensure you clearly understand and communicate the skills and knowledge needed for a role. Writing a job requirement section requires careful consideration, from proper formatting to inclusivity statements.

Your company can follow these guidelines to create a job requirements section that attracts qualified candidates.

1. Understand the role and qualifications
2. Write clear and concise requirements
3. Use proper formatting
4. Include equal opportunity or other required statements
5. Review and edit before posting

1. Understand the role and qualifications

Conducting a job analysis can be very helpful in identifying a role’s key responsibilities. This involves gathering information from various sources, such as the hiring manager, current workers, and operational leaders.

This information can help provide a clear understanding of the role's day-to-day tasks, required technical skills, and educational requirements.

For instance, if your business requires a project manager, choosing a candidate with a project management certification or equivalent relevant experience in the industry may be essential.

Similarly, there’s a big difference in job requirements between an entry-level role and a senior position.

By taking these qualifications into account, job seekers can determine whether they have the necessary skills and work experience to succeed in the role. Employers can ensure they’re selecting the most qualified candidates.

In addition to technical skills and qualifications, employers should also consider soft skills and personality traits necessary for success in the role.

For example, a customer service position may require excellent communication skills, empathy, and patience, while a leadership position may require strong critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire and motivate others.

2. Write clear and concise requirements

When it comes to job position requirements, provide a clear and concise explanation of the expectations and job duties associated with the role.

To do so, avoid using industry jargon and acronyms that may not be familiar to some candidates. While these terms may be second nature to those already working in the industry, potential candidates may not be as familiar with the terminology.

Instead, use plain language that’s easy to understand, which will be helpful for attracting a wider pool of ideal candidates.

Detailed job requirements should provide sufficient information about the position's key responsibilities, required qualifications, and necessary skills.

This level of detail helps ensure that job seekers and employers are on the same page regarding job expectations. Additionally, detailed job requirements can help reduce confusion and misunderstanding throughout the hiring process.

3. Use proper formatting

Proper formatting ensures that job requirements are easy to read and understand. Consider using sections to separate the key requirements, including education, experience, and skills, from "nice-to-have" qualities, and to distinguish them clearly from the job responsibilities section. Additionally, bullet points help improve readability and highlight key points.

Employers can also use formatting techniques like bolding important sections or creating a numbered list with the most crucial requirements at the top. This type of formatting can help job seekers quickly assess whether they meet the qualifications for the position, saving time and effort for both parties involved in the hiring process.

4. Include equal opportunity statements

Many regions mandate equal opportunity hiring. Including a statement in your job requirements can communicate your commitment to hiring a diverse range of candidates and complying with legal obligations.

These statements are an important reminder that your business values inclusion in the workplace and takes discrimination seriously.

When writing the job description and requirements, avoid language that may exclude specific groups and instead use inclusive language.

For example, rather than referring to candidates using specific pronouns, it’s advisable to use phrases like "team members." Avoiding common local sayings or idioms will help ensure global candidates have the same understanding as do locals.

This approach helps ensure that all new hires feel a sense of belonging to their organization without the worry of encountering microaggressions or feeling excluded due to their differences.

Equal opportunity statements should be clear and straightforward. Your job ad should state that your business is an equal-opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any individual based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender identity, sex, parental status, sexual orientation, disability status, genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other non-merit-based factors required in your local region. For example, in the U.S., you’ll want to comply with U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules.

You should also emphasize that your workplace is sincerely committed to being inclusive and welcoming to all individuals.

Writing an equal opportunity statement that fully encompasses the diverse range of backgrounds and experiences of potential candidates can be challenging. For this reason, we recommend consulting with a highly qualified HR expert who can help you develop statements that align with your location's legal requirements.

5. Review and edit before posting

Job seekers may form an opinion about your company's culture and work environment based on anything they find online, including your job requirements.

That’s one reason why your job requirements should be free of errors, clear, concise, and aligned with your company's values, branding, and tone.

Seeking feedback from colleagues or managers can provide valuable insight into your outlined job requirements so you don’t miss any crucial qualifications.

This type of review can also help you identify any areas where you may have included unnecessary requirements for the role. As you refine your job requirements section, you’re more likely to attract the most qualified candidates for the position.

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Examples of job requirements

The following examples can help you determine which essential elements to include in your job requirements section.

These job requirements feature concise and clear descriptions of the level of education, experience, technical and soft skills, job responsibilities, and physical abilities required for each position.

We also provided a sample equal-opportunity statement to demonstrate the various ways it can be stated.

Marketing manager

Skills and experience required:

• Bachelor’s degree or high school diploma with 3+ years of experience in marketing, business, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube
• Data-driven mindset with experience in analytics and the ability to analyze data to identify trends, insights, and opportunities
• Experience in developing and executing marketing campaigns across various channels, including email marketing, social media, and SEO/SEM
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing a team of marketing professionals and collaborating with cross-functional teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to write persuasive and engaging content

Job duties and responsibilities:

• Manage and lead a team of marketing professionals
• Conduct market research on customer preferences, competitors, and trends
• Develop action plans to execute marketing campaigns
• Collaborate with sales and product development teams to ensure consistency in messaging and branding

At our marketing agency, we believe everyone should have an equal chance to succeed regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender identity, sex, parental status, sexual orientation, disability status, genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other non-merit-based factors. We're proud to say that we're an equal-opportunity employer, and we take that responsibility seriously. We believe that by embracing our differences, we can create a stronger, more dynamic team that can tackle any challenge that comes our way.

Software developer

Required skills and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
• Strong programming skills, with proficiency in at least one programming language (such as Java, C++, or Python)
• Familiarity with database systems, such as MySQL
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional team members to identify and resolve technical issues
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks

Job duties and responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain software applications
• Collaborate with other developers and designers to understand user needs
• Create technical documentation, such as user manuals, throughout the development cycle
• Identify and troubleshoot software issues

At our software development company, we are proud to foster a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. We firmly believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender identity, sex, parental status, sexual orientation, disability status, genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other non-merit-based factors.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we are committed to promoting a workplace that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to the team.

Nurse practitioner

Required education and experience:

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from an accredited institution
• Current active license as a registered nurse (RN)
• Certification as a Nurse Practitioner by a recognized national certification body
• Knowledge of diagnostic tools, such as X-ray, MRI, and laboratory tests
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain medical concepts to patients and their families

Physical requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk around for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift and move patients or medical equipment, with assistance when necessary
• Ability to work in an environment that may include exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials

Job duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct physical examinations and take medical histories
• Provide patient counseling on disease prevention and health promotion
• Administer medications according to patient’s prescription
• Collaborate with physicians and pharmacists to ensure comprehensive care for patients

At our health care organization, we are committed to creating a workplace that values diversity and inclusivity. We believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue a career in nursing regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender identity, sex, parental status, sexual orientation, disability status, genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other non-merit-based factors.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. We value our nurses’ unique perspectives and experiences and believe diversity and inclusivity enhance our ability to provide high-quality care to our patients and their families.

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Upwork does not provide legal advice. Each reader and company should take the time to adequately analyze the laws that apply to their business endeavors.