Hiring the right people starts with writing the right job description. Yet many businesses in Kenya struggle with vague, outdated, or overly generic job adverts—resulting in mismatched applicants and lost time. Whether you’re a small business or an established company, a well-crafted job description is your first and most important recruitment tool.
Here’s a practical guide to help you write clear, compelling job descriptions that attract the right candidates and make your hiring process more effective.
1. Start with a Clear Job Title
Your job title should be specific and reflect the actual role. For example, instead of “Assistant,” use “Administrative Assistant” or “Customer Service Assistant.” Avoid internal jargon—use terms that job seekers are searching for online.
✅ Good: Sales Executive – Nairobi
❌ Avoid: Sales Ninja or Rockstar
2. Write a Brief but Strong Job Summary
The summary should capture the essence of the role in 2–4 sentences. Highlight the main purpose of the job, where it sits within the company, and its impact.
Example:
“We are looking for a detail-oriented Finance Assistant to support daily accounting operations and ensure compliance with financial policies. You’ll be part of a small but dynamic team, reporting directly to the Finance Manager.”
3. Clearly List Key Responsibilities
Outline the major tasks the employee will be responsible for. Use bullet points for readability and start each point with an action verb.
Examples:
- Prepare and process invoices, receipts, and payment vouchers
- Maintain accurate records of financial transactions
- Assist in monthly reconciliations and financial reporting
Keep this list realistic—aim for 6–10 responsibilities to avoid overwhelming potential candidates.
4. Highlight Required Qualifications and Skills
Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Include:
- Education level (e.g., Diploma, Degree in HR, Accounting, etc.)
- Years of experience
- Technical and soft skills (e.g., Excel proficiency, communication skills)
- Industry-specific certifications if applicable
Be honest about what’s essential to succeed in the role.
5. Include Details on Work Environment and Culture
Share a bit about your company—what you do, your values, and what it’s like to work there. Kenyan candidates increasingly want to know about company culture before applying.
Example:
“We’re a fast-growing agri-tech company with a youthful team culture, flexible working hours, and a passion for solving real-world problems.”
6. State the Location and Work Type
Clearly mention where the role is based and whether it is full-time, part-time, hybrid, or remote. Many job seekers filter opportunities based on these details.
7. Share Compensation Range (If Possible)
While not all employers disclose salaries publicly, including a salary range or mentioning benefits (e.g., medical cover, transport allowance, paid leave) attracts serious applicants and builds transparency.
8. End with a Clear Call to Action
Guide applicants on how to apply. Include an application deadline and instructions (e.g., send CV and cover letter to hr@company.co.ke with the subject line “Customer Service Role – Nairobi”).
Bonus Tip: Don’t Do It Alone
Creating job descriptions that attract the right talent takes time and insight—especially in today’s competitive market. Partnering with professionals like Stellar HR Solutions ensures your job descriptions are aligned with industry standards, optimized for online platforms, and tailored to your company’s culture and hiring goals.
Stellar HR has supported dozens of Kenyan businesses across industries by crafting job descriptions that not only reflect the role but also resonate with top candidates. It’s one of the reasons their recruitment success rate is among the highest in the region.
Final Thoughts
A job description is more than just a list of tasks—it’s the first impression your company makes on a potential employee. Take the time to get it right. Clear, honest, and engaging job descriptions help you attract qualified, committed, and culture-fit candidates from the start.
Need help writing professional job descriptions or handling your full recruitment process? Stellar HR Solutions is here to help—bringing structure, speed, and strategy to your hiring journey.
