Using AI to Draft Better Job Descriptions (Without Sounding Robotic)

Using AI to Draft Better Job Descriptions (Without Sounding Robotic)

AI is everywhere. But too many job descriptions still sound like generic copy, and not in a good way. You run the risk of alienating top talent who won’t take the time to apply when they feel like they’re talking to a robot.

This isn’t AI hype, it’s about crafting high-quality, efficient JD writing with a human touch, accurately and fast, while also gathering the right talent.

Why AI Is Changing How We Write Job Descriptions

Time-saving + Consistency

AI helps you churn out high-quality first drafts fast. According to SmartRecruiters, 57% of hiring managers say AI makes writing JDs faster and easier. And over time, AI brings consistency across roles. No more reinventing the wheel each hire.

Reduced Bias & Data-Informed Language

Tools like Textio show that AI-powered analysis can lift diversity in language and help you catch hidden bias. Plus, 81% of organisations use AI in recruitment to improve efficiency.

What AI Does Well and What It Doesn’t

AI is excellent at:

  • Structuring roles
  • Highlighting keywords
  • Providing baseline clarity

But it misses:

  • Brand voice
  • Team culture
  • Emotional resonance

So it’ll draft your JD, but you have to bring the soul.

Choosing the Right AI Tools for JD Creation

Top Tools Breakdown

ChatGPT

  • Pros: Flexible, conversational
  • Cons: May hallucinate, needs strong prompting

Jasper

  • Pros: User-friendly templates, tone settings
  • Cons: Pricing can add up

Copy.ai

  • Pros: Quick turnarounds, structured outputs
  • Cons: Lighter on nuance

Textio

  • Pros: Bias detection, inclusive language
  • Cons: More HR-focused, pricier
ToolPrimary StrengthBest Use Case
ChatGPTFree-form, custom toneSmall teams, DIY prompting
JasperTemplates + toneStructured, multi-role hiring
Copy.aiQuick draftsScaling basic JD workflow
TextioLanguage optimizationDEI-focused hiring, audits

When to Choose What:

  • Start with ChatGPT if you’re comfortable tweaking prompts
  • Use Jasper for hiring at pace (multiple roles)
  • Copy.ai helps get volume out
  • Textio, if your goals include inclusive language and bias detection

How to Prompt AI to Draft Job Descriptions Effectively

AI is only as good as your prompts. Think of it as an intern; you’ll get the best results by giving clear, thoughtful direction.

Why Prompts Matter More Than the Tool

Studies show AI output quality hinges on context clarity. According to The Guardian, prompts that use personas or “chain-of-thought” approaches drastically improve accuracy and relevance.

Core Prompt Techniques for JDs

  1. Define Role & Outcome: “Write a job description for a mid-level backend engineer. They’ll build our transaction API to support 1M users/month.”
  2. Include Skills, Context & Tone: “Include Node.js, PostgreSQL, and AWS. Tone: mission-driven, startup hustle, inclusive.”
  3. Structure Request: “Generate sections: Hook, Responsibilities (PEP Style), Must/Nice-to-have, Culture, Process.”
  4. Refine with Follow-Up: “That’s great. Now shorten the responsibilities and insert bullet examples of ownership.”

Prompt Examples

  • Inclusive language prompt:
    “Using gender-neutral and inclusive language, write a JD for a Senior React Engineer based in Toronto per HireHive’s recommended style.”

How to Humanise AI-Generated Job Descriptions

Okay, the AI-generated draft is there. Now make it yours. Here’s how to humanise it:

Scan for Robot Tone

Look for generic phrases like “We are seeking” or “You will be responsible.” Replace them with your voice: “You’ll own…” or “We’re looking for someone who…”

Insert Real-World Examples

  • Swap “manage projects” with “lead the payments microservice migration”.
  • Add metrics like “improve latency by 20% in 6 months”.

Add in Brand Personality

Use your brand’s shared values: “We’re early-stage, fast-paced, and collaborative—no red tape.”

Show What Makes You Human

Insert a small “fun fact” or anecdote: “Our dev team gathers weekly to share wins and attend hackathons together.”

A study showed 92% of firms using AI had productivity gains, but also emphasised the need for human oversight to protect candidate experience.

AI Do’s and Don’ts for Recruiters

Using AI for JD drafting is smart, but only when you’re the brain behind it.

Do’s

  • Use AI to draft first versions and rewrite them
  • Run language checks in Textio for bias detection
  • Iterate refinements with tools like ChatGPT until it aligns with the brand voice

Don’ts

  • Don’t copy AI’s output verbatim; editing is essential
  • Don’t hide salary or equity just because the tool didn’t flag it
  • Don’t ignore AI hallucinations; always fact-check roles and process steps

Be especially mindful of ethical and legal norms, and avoid phrasing that could disqualify veterans, candidates with disabilities, or other protected groups. According to SHRM, 65% of HR teams are using AI to generate JDs, but only 42% customise for bias, a gap you can close.

No one’s got time to write the perfect job description from scratch for every role. That’s where AI shines. It’s your co-pilot for structure, speed, and scale. But without you, your voice, your understanding of your team’s vibe, and your clarity on what a great candidate actually looks like, AI will just churn out another robotic post lost in a sea of job boards.

Use AI to do the heavy lifting, then bring it to life with your human insight. Think of it like baking. You let the AI measure and mix, but you’re the one who decides when it’s ready and how it tastes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *