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Job Posting Best Practices Checklist

A guided template for creating consistent, high-quality job postings.

Use this template to build job postings that give applicants the information they need — clearly structured and easy to understand.

PART 1 — KEY ELEMENTS

These sections are essential and should appear in every job posting.

1

About the Company

  • When and how the company was founded

  • What your company does

  • Your culture, values, and commitments

2

Job Overview

  • A 1–2 sentence summary of the role

  • How the role helps the company succeed

Example: By responding to customer questions quickly, this role helps improve customer satisfaction and keeps our business running smoothly.

  • Expected impact or outcomes

Example: The person in this role will help reduce delays, improve service quality, and support team goals.

  • Reporting structure — does this role report to anyone?

  • Team structure — is this role part of a team?

  • Cross-team collaboration — does this role work with other teams?

3

Key Responsibilities

List 5–8 primary responsibilities using action + outcome statements.

Tip: Format: Action verb + task + why it matters

Example: Answer customer questions by phone or email → to help resolve issues quickly

Example: Organize and update records → so information is easy to find and up to date

4

Required Skills & Experience

Hard Skills

  • Technical or job-specific skills required for the role

Example: Ability to use Microsoft Office, operate a forklift, or teach medical safety standards

Soft Skills

  • Interpersonal and work-style skills required

Example: Good communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management

Certifications

  • Any required licences or certifications

Example: Valid driver's licence, first aid certification, required safety training

Education

  • Minimum education requirement

  • What you will accept as an equivalent if the applicant lacks the required education

Example: Relevant work experience, on-the-job training, or completion of related courses or certificates may be accepted in place of a formal diploma.

Experience

  • Years or type of experience required

  • What you will accept as an equivalent if the applicant lacks the required experience

Example: Related work experience from another industry, volunteer work, internships, school or training programs, or hands-on experience gained through on-the-job training.

5

Preferred Skills

  • Skills related to the role that can be taught with training

  • Experience with specific tools, systems, or industries

  • Additional experience that would be helpful but is not required

Tip: Preferred skills are 'nice to haves' — keep this list short so candidates are not discouraged from applying.

6

How to Apply

  • How to apply: Provide a link to apply online or an email address

  • What to submit: Specify what is needed (resume, cover letter, portfolio) — only ask for what is truly necessary

  • Application deadline: Include a specific date, or note that the role will remain open until filled

  • Job ID / reference number: Include if your organization uses one

  • Contact for questions: Name and contact details so candidates know where to go for clarification or support

PART 2 — ADDITIONAL HELPFUL ELEMENTS

These sections are not required but significantly improve the quality of your posting and the applicant experience.

7

Work Environment & Conditions

  • Employment type: Full-time, part-time, casual, seasonal, or contract

  • Schedule: Monday to Friday, weekends, shift work, or evenings required

  • Work location: On-site, hybrid, or fully remote

  • Travel: Whether travel is required and how frequently

  • Work setting: Office, construction site, warehouse, clinic, or other facility type

  • Hours per week: Approximate weekly hours expected

8

Compensation

  • Pay range: Hourly wage or annual salary shown as a minimum and maximum

Example: $22–$26/hour | $55,000–$65,000/year

  • Additional compensation: Any bonuses, commissions, profit sharing, equity, shift premiums, or allowances

Example: Travel allowance, tool allowance, meal allowance, performance bonus

9

Benefits & Perks

  • Health benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage, if offered

  • Retirement or savings plans: Pension, RRSP matching, or other long-term savings options

  • Paid time off: Vacation days, sick time, personal days, or wellness programs

  • Learning & development: Training, courses, certifications, or a learning budget

  • Flexible work options: Flexible hours, remote or hybrid work, or compressed work weeks

10

Growth & Development

  • Onboarding support: Job training, shadowing, mentoring, or onboarding resources provided when starting

  • First 60–90 days: Describe key tasks to learn, goals to reach, or skills to develop

Example: In the first 90 days, you will complete safety training, shadow team leads, and begin handling your own client files.

  • Advancement opportunities: Promotion paths, new responsibilities, or career development options within the company

11

Inclusion & Accessibility

  • Encourage all candidates to apply: Let candidates know they do not need to meet every qualification to apply, and that transferable skills are valued

  • Accommodation statement: Explain that accommodations are available during the hiring process or on the job, and how they can be requested

  • Commitment to a respectful workplace: Signal that your company values fairness, respect, and equal opportunity

Example: We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the hiring process. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Use this checklist as a starting point — adapt the language and structure to reflect your organization's voice.

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