A well-written shift description attracts more qualified applicants and sets expectations clearly.
What to Include
1. Specific Role and Duties
Instead of: "Server needed"
Write: "Banquet server for 150-person wedding reception. Duties include plated dinner service, drink refills, and table clearing."
2. Required Experience
Use the Experience Required slider (0-10 years) to filter the applicant pool, and mention specifics in your description:
- Specific skills (cocktail bartending, fine dining, espresso service)
- Equipment familiarity (POS systems, espresso machines)
- Certifications if required (food handler's card, alcohol service)
- Physical requirements (ability to lift X lbs, stand for long periods)
3. Dress Code
Be explicit about clothing and appearance in the Uniform and Attire section:
- All black: black pants, black button-down, black non-slip shoes
- Business casual: no jeans, no sneakers
- Provided: apron, hat
- Appearance: natural hair color, minimal makeup, hair tied back
4. Logistics
- Parking situation (free lot, street parking, validation)
- Check-in location (back entrance, ask for manager name)
- Break policy
Description Template
Copy and customize:
Role: [Specific position]
Event/Setting: [Type of service or venue]
Duties: [2-3 specific tasks]
Experience needed: [Required skills]
Dress code: [Exactly what to wear]
Check-in: [Where to go, who to ask for]
Parking: [Instructions]
What to Avoid
- Vague descriptions — "Help needed" won't attract quality applicants
- Missing dress code — leads to wrong attire
- Unrealistic expectations — if you need an expert, pay accordingly
- Walls of text — use bullet points, keep it scannable
Good Example
"Experienced bartender for high-volume sports bar. Must know classic cocktails and work quickly. POS: Toast. Dress code: all black, non-slip shoes, hair tied back. Park in back lot, enter through kitchen, ask for Mike."