Hiring top engineering talent is no easy task. In a market where skilled software engineers are in high demand, the smallest details can make or break your chances of attracting the right candidates. A well-crafted job description should be more than a list of duties - it’s your first opportunity to stand out and show engineers why they should join your team.
A great job description balances technical precision with a personal touch. Ready to attract the best talent in the business? Here are five tips to help you do just that.
1 - Focus on impact and problem solving (not just requirements)
Top engineers are drawn to roles where their work has a meaningful impact. Instead of listing generic skills, describe the challenges they'll tackle and the significance of their contributions. For example, stating, ‘You'll develop innovative solutions that enhance user experience for millions’ is more compelling than simply requiring ‘experience in JavaScript’. This approach not only attracts passionate candidates but also sets clear expectations about the role's importance.
Essentially, engineers want to know why their work matters. A study by Microsoft Research highlights that job satisfaction among software developers is closely linked to their perception of productivity and the meaningfulness of their tasks. Build a narrative in your job descriptions that demonstrates this meaningfulness in ways that mindless lists cannot.
2 - Be specific about the tech stack and development practices
Top engineers are keen to understand the tools and frameworks they’ll be working with, as well as the development culture of your organisation. Clearly specifying the tech stack not only attracts candidates with the right expertise but also demonstrates transparency. For instance, ‘We use TypeScript, React, and AWS in a microservices environment with CI/CD and regular code reviews’ provides a clear picture of the technical environment.
According to a study by Arc.dev, job descriptions that clearly outline the technologies and practices used are more effective in attracting suitable candidates. This clarity helps potential hires assess their fit and enthusiasm for the role, leading to more engaged and qualified applicants.
3 - Highlight career growth and learning opportunities
The best engineers are always looking to level up their skills. Naturally, then, they are drawn to companies that invest in their development and offer clear paths to grow. If you provide a £2,000 annual training budget, time for personal projects, or mentorship programmes, make sure to shout about it. These perks show that you care about their future and help you stand out in a competitive market.
Countless reports such as the University of Salford’s have emphasised the importance of professional development in the workplace. If it’s not clear that you’re offering any, expect a dearth of top talent in your candidate pipeline.
4 - Prioritise culture and work-life balance
Engineering candidates increasingly value flexibility, autonomy, and a healthy work-life balance. Clearly communicating your company's policies on hybrid or remote work, flexible hours, and a supportive culture can make your job descriptions more appealing. For example, stating, ‘Our team values quality over quantity - we prioritise clean code and realistic project timelines over crunch’, demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being.
According to Glassdoor, one in two UK workers consider work-life balance a priority when job hunting. In a world where burnout is a common story, offering flexibility and a healthy working culture is imperative in helping prospective applicants think of your business in a positive light.
5 - Use inclusive language and avoid jargon
Job descriptions should open doors, not close them. Overly flashy terms like ‘rockstar’ or ‘ninja’ might seem fun but often alienate candidates, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Instead, focus on what success in the role looks like and keep the language clear and neutral. For example, instead of saying, ‘We need a coding guru’, try, ‘We’re looking for a developer passionate about creating scalable, efficient systems’.
According to guidance from Indeed, using gender-neutral and straightforward language in job descriptions helps in attracting a broader range of applicants. They recommend avoiding jargon and culturally specific terms to make job postings more accessible. After all, inclusive language is about inviting talent to imagine themselves in the role. When your description feels approachable, you’re more likely to connect with the right people.
Get job descriptions right, get the best talent
Job descriptions are more than words on a page - they’re your pitch to top engineers. Done well, they’ll show candidates exactly why they should choose you, from the problems they’ll solve to the culture they’ll be part of. Think clarity, purpose, and inclusivity.
If you’re ready to attract talent that drives results, get in touch with Orbis today. Let’s build your dream team.
