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If you’ve Googled “Economist job description,” you’ve probably run into a wall of bland bullet points, outdated formats, and lifeless copy.
You know the kind:
Responsibilities. Qualifications. Apply here.
But here’s the problem: None of that actually helps you attract great economists.
The truth is, top candidates don’t apply because you listed every task they might do. They apply because they believe in the mission, understand the role clearly, and see a future with your team.
And yet, most job descriptions still follow the same generic template—leaving companies stuck with underwhelming applicants and roles that go unfilled for weeks (or months).
If you want to write an economist job description that actually stands out, this guide will help you do exactly that.
We’ll walk you through:
- What an economist actually does (in plain English)
- Two real-world job description templates: one for experienced candidates, one for entry-level
- A side-by-side breakdown of what makes a job post work
- A bad example to avoid
- Bonus tips to help your job post connect with real people
- Smart ways to use AI without ending up with generic fluff
- And a quick-copy version you can edit and publish fast
Before we dive in—if you haven’t already, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ .
(It breaks down why most job posts fail, and how to fix them.)
Ready? Let’s make this job post your best recruiting tool, not a formality you forget about after posting.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What Does an Economist Actually Do?
Let’s keep this simple and human.
An economist studies data to understand how money flows—across businesses, governments, industries, and populations.
They look at trends, analyze what’s driving change, and help organizations make smarter decisions about spending, investing, hiring, or pricing.
In other words, economists help you see around corners.
They don’t just crunch numbers. They translate complex data into insights that shape strategy, policy, and long-term planning. Whether it’s forecasting inflation, modeling supply chain risks, or evaluating the impact of a new regulation—an economist helps you make decisions based on evidence, not guesswork.
If your business is growing, expanding into new markets, or trying to understand macroeconomic shifts, an economist can give you the clarity and foresight to move with confidence.
Here’s what that often looks like in practice:
- Building economic models to predict outcomes
- Running cost-benefit analyses
- Tracking market trends and economic indicators
- Writing reports that influence business or government policy
- Presenting data to stakeholders in a way that’s clear and actionable
Think of an economist as a strategic partner who makes sense of uncertainty—and turns numbers into direction.
Two Great Economist Job Description Templates You Can Use
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Economist
Job Title:
Senior Economist – Global Markets & Strategy | Altura Analytics
Location:
Remote (US-Based) | Full-Time | $110,000–$135,000/year
💬 A Message from Our Director of Research
Watch this quick 2-minute Loom from Claire, our Director of Research, on what makes this role important and how you’ll be making an impact:
🎥 [Insert Loom Link]
Who We Are
Altura Analytics is a research and strategy firm helping high-growth companies and financial institutions make confident, data-backed decisions. We specialize in macroeconomic forecasting, policy analysis, and market intelligence—working at the intersection of data science and human insight.
Our clients include hedge funds, venture-backed startups, and multinational companies. When they need to understand economic risk, prepare for regulatory shifts, or evaluate new market opportunities—they come to us.
We’re a fully remote team with a bias for clarity, candor, and deep curiosity.
What You’ll Be Doing
As our Senior Economist, you’ll lead client-facing research engagements, build economic models, and present strategic insights directly to decision-makers.
Your work will influence funding decisions, growth strategies, and global risk assessments.
Here’s what your week might include:
- Creating macroeconomic outlooks and client briefings
- Building models that forecast inflation, interest rates, and market volatility
- Writing reports that translate complex data into decision-ready insights
- Consulting with portfolio managers or founders on key shifts in the economy
- Collaborating with our data science team to refine tools and methodologies
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in economic forecasting, market research, or public policy analysis
- Master’s or PhD in Economics, Econometrics, or Applied Statistics
- Fluency in data modeling (R, Stata, Python) and economic theory
- Excellent writing and storytelling—you can explain complex concepts in plain English
- Comfortable leading client conversations and owning research deliverables
- Bonus if you’ve worked in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment (think: consulting, finance, or policy think tank)
Perks & Benefits
- $110,000–$135,000 base salary + performance bonuses
- Fully remote team with flexible hours
- Annual research stipend ($3,000/year) for books, journals, and learning
- Company-paid healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
- 25 PTO days + 11 company holidays
- Quarterly retreats in cities like Chicago, Austin, and Vancouver
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This is a high-impact, high-autonomy role for someone who loves solving hard problems and influencing big decisions. You won’t be stuck updating reports or chasing citations—you’ll be leading conversations that shape business and policy strategy.
If you’re looking to work with smart, motivated peers and do work that actually moves the needle, this is it.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to run a fair, skills-first hiring process.
You’ll complete a short, structured evaluation so we can assess your approach, not just your résumé.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Entry-Level Economist
Job Title:
Junior Economist – Research & Market Analysis | Wayfinder Capital
Location:
New York, NY (Hybrid) | Full-Time | $65,000–$78,000/year
💬 A Note from Our Chief Economist
Here’s a quick Loom from Emily (our Chief Economist) on why we’re excited about this hire, what success looks like, and what you can expect in the first 90 days.
🎥 [Insert Loom Link]
Who We Are
Wayfinder Capital is a boutique investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets and sustainability-driven portfolios. We serve a mix of institutional investors and family offices looking to grow their assets through forward-thinking investment strategies.
Our research team plays a critical role in how we evaluate risk, allocate capital, and respond to global shifts. We’re expanding—and we’re looking for someone early in their career who’s eager to grow into a future research leader.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll work closely with our economists and investment analysts to track macroeconomic trends, conduct research, and prepare briefings that inform our investment decisions.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Collecting and analyzing economic data from sources like the World Bank, IMF, and national statistics agencies
- Creating reports on inflation, currency trends, and policy developments
- Assisting in the development of investment theses based on global economic patterns
- Supporting the team in presentations, client reports, and model updates
- Learning tools like R and Tableau (we’ll train you!)
What We’re Looking For
- A degree in Economics, Finance, Political Science, or a related field
- Strong writing and analytical thinking
- High attention to detail and intellectual curiosity
- Basic familiarity with Excel or data tools
- Bonus: Internship or academic research experience
💡 No experience? That’s okay. If you’re eager to learn, we’ll support your growth with training and mentorship.
Perks & Benefits
- $65,000–$78,000 starting salary
- Hybrid work model (2 days in-office) with WFH flexibility
- Mentorship from senior economists and investment pros
- Health, dental, vision, and commuter benefits
- Tuition reimbursement for approved coursework
- 20 paid vacation days + end-of-year company-wide closure
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
If you’re passionate about economics and want to work on real-world problems with a supportive, mission-driven team—this is a rare opportunity.
You’ll get hands-on training, exposure to live investment discussions, and the chance to shape how we think about risk in a rapidly changing world. We don’t expect you to know everything—we just want you to be driven to learn.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make our process simple and fair.
Apply via the link below to complete a short evaluation—no cover letter needed.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Economist Job Descriptions Work
We’ve shared two different templates—one for experienced candidates, one for entry-level. Here’s why they both stand out and actually attract quality applicants (instead of getting lost in a sea of generic posts):
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of just saying “Economist” or “Research Analyst,” these posts include:
- The seniority level (e.g. Senior, Junior)
- The focus (e.g. Global Markets, Market Analysis)
- The company name—to make it feel real and trustworthy
This helps the right candidates self-identify instantly and signals professionalism and clarity.
✅ 2. Each Post Opens With a Video (Not Just a Job Summary)
Adding a Loom video from a hiring manager or economist makes the post feel personal and human.
It builds trust, shows that real people are behind the company, and gives the candidate a better sense of what the team is actually like.
✅ 3. “Who We Are” Isn’t Just Corporate Jargon
Instead of a vague mission statement, each post includes a specific overview of what the company actually does, who it serves, and what kind of work environment a candidate can expect. This gives candidates context and emotional connection, which helps them imagine themselves working there.
✅ 4. The Responsibilities Are Framed Around Real Impact
It’s not just “analyze data” or “write reports.”
Each responsibility is linked to why it matters—like shaping investment decisions, influencing strategy, or making market shifts understandable. This makes the role feel more meaningful and exciting.
✅ 5. The Requirements Are Focused and Encouraging
Instead of long, intimidating checklists, each post includes:
- Clear must-haves
- “Nice to haves” that don’t gatekeep
- Encouragement to apply even without all qualifications (especially for junior roles)
This widens the talent pool and encourages great candidates who might otherwise hesitate.
✅ 6. Perks & Benefits Are Transparent and Practical
Each job includes:
- A clear salary range
- Remote or hybrid work expectations
- Tangible benefits like PTO, stipends, and health coverage
Transparency like this builds trust—and sets expectations from day one.
✅ 7. The “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Actually Sells the Opportunity
Instead of leaving it up to the candidate to figure out why the role matters, these posts spell it out.
They speak to purpose, growth, autonomy, and culture in a way that resonates—especially for mission-driven or curious candidates.
✅ 8. The Application Process Respects the Candidate
Instead of saying “Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted,” these posts:
- Explain the process
- Reassure applicants that they’ll be evaluated fairly
- Use WorkScreen to make the next step simple and structured
This signals a high-quality candidate experience—and that matters more than ever in 2025.
Example of a Bad Economist Job Description (And Why It Doesn’t Work)
Let’s take a look at the kind of job post that turns off great candidates—and break down exactly what’s wrong with it.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title:
Economist
Company:
Global Economics Institute
Location:
Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type:
Full-Time
Job Summary:
The Global Economics Institute is hiring an economist to support its policy and research work. The economist will be responsible for data analysis, report writing, and presenting findings to internal teams. The successful candidate will have experience working with economic data and be able to work independently and meet deadlines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyze economic data and generate reports
- Monitor macroeconomic indicators
- Assist in creating internal presentations
- Conduct literature reviews and background research
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in economics or related field
- 2–4 years experience in economic research or policy
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to hr@globalecon.org by September 30, 2025.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just saying “Economist” gives no indication of:
- What kind of economist you’re looking for (policy, market, academic?)
- What kind of organization this is
- Who the ideal candidate is
It fails to capture attention or qualify the audience.
2. The Introduction Feels Cold and Vague
The “Job Summary” is just filler. It doesn’t explain:
- What the organization actually does
- Why this role matters
- Who the economist will work with
There’s no story, no mission, no personality.
3. There’s No Salary or Benefits Information
In 2025, leaving out compensation details feels outdated—and it often turns away serious candidates who expect transparency.
Not listing benefits is a missed opportunity to differentiate the post.
4. The Responsibilities Are Too Broad
These responsibilities could be copy-pasted from any economist job.
There’s no explanation of how the work connects to real-world outcomes, or what the candidate will actually be impacting.
5. The Requirements Are Bare Minimum
It lists generic skills without saying anything about the ideal mindset, tools used, or growth potential.
Also, there’s no encouragement for candidates who may not meet every requirement but are a strong culture or values fit.
6. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
Saying “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels cold.
It gives candidates zero clarity on what happens after they apply—and no reason to feel hopeful or respected during the process.
7. The Call to Action Is Lifeless
There’s no personality or energy in the application section.
A great CTA should invite, motivate, or reassure the reader—not feel like a bureaucratic formality.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Economist Job Description Stand Out
Even if your post already checks the boxes—clear title, transparent pay, thoughtful structure—these small upgrades can take it from good to genuinely impressive.
These are the extra 5–10% details that help you attract mission-driven, thoughtful, and qualified economists—instead of generic applicants mass-applying with one click.
🛡️ Tip 1: Add a Security & Privacy Notice for Applicants
A simple line like this builds trust—especially in an era of recruitment scams and phishing emails.
Example:
We take your privacy seriously. We’ll never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial info during any part of the hiring process.
This shows candidates that your company is legit, responsible, and respectful from the very first touchpoint.
🌴 Tip 2: Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Time off matters—especially in roles that require deep thinking and strategic focus, like economics.
If you offer personal days, flex hours, or recharge weeks, say so clearly in the post.
Example:
Enjoy up to 25 paid days off per year, including flexible personal days and our company-wide winter break.
It signals that you value work-life balance—not just productivity.
📚 Tip 3: Highlight Learning & Growth Opportunities
Serious economists are lifelong learners. Show that you invest in growth.
This could include:
- Research stipends
- Access to industry journals or databases
- Paid training or mentorship programs
- Conference passes
Example:
We offer a $3,000 annual research budget for books, journals, courses, or conferences that help you deepen your expertise.
This shows that your company doesn’t just hire smart people—it helps them stay that way.
🎥 Tip 4: Include a Video from the Hiring Manager or Team
We mentioned this in the good examples—but it’s worth repeating:
A 1–2 minute video makes a massive difference.
It lets candidates:
- See the people they’d be working with
- Hear your company values in a human voice
- Feel what it’s like to be part of your culture
You don’t need a production crew—just open Loom or Zoom and speak directly to your ideal hire.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
💬 Tip 5: Write Your Post Like a Person, Not a Policy Manual
If you wouldn’t say it out loud in a real conversation, don’t put it in your job post.
Instead of:
“The incumbent shall be responsible for tracking key economic indicators in alignment with institutional objectives…”
Say this:
“You’ll track key trends across global markets and help the team translate them into smart decisions.”
Clear. Simple. Real. That’s what top candidates respond to.
Should You Use AI to Write Job Descriptions?
With one click, AI tools can now generate job descriptions in seconds. Tools like ChatGPT, Manatal, or Workable’s AI assistant make it tempting to skip the thinking part and let a bot handle it all.
But here’s the reality:
If you use AI without input, you’ll end up with output that pushes away your best candidates.
❌ What Happens When You Use AI the Wrong Way
When you prompt an AI tool with something like:
“Write a job description for an economist at a financial firm.”
You’ll get something that looks okay on the surface—bullet points, responsibilities, qualifications.
But scratch a little deeper, and here’s what you’ll notice:
- It’s vague and repetitive
- It sounds like it could come from any company
- It includes filler phrases like “dynamic individual” or “fast-paced environment”
- It lacks emotion, culture, and purpose
- It attracts low-effort candidates who are skimming for keywords
- It fails to inspire thoughtful economists to apply
You’ll post it. Then wait. And wonder why only generic résumés show up.
✅ How to Use AI the Right Way
AI can be powerful—but it works best when you give it real raw material to work with.
Here’s how to prompt it properly:
🧠 Step-by-Step Prompt (You Can Copy-Paste This)
“Help me write a job post for our company, Altura Analytics. We’re hiring a Senior Economist to help shape strategy for our clients by forecasting macroeconomic trends. Our culture is remote-first, research-driven, and focused on clarity and autonomy. We want to attract economists who are curious, analytical, and comfortable leading conversations with decision-makers. We offer a $110–135K salary range, flexible hours, and an annual research stipend. Here’s a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [Paste in rough notes or bullet points].”
Then ask AI to:
- Rewrite in a warm, human tone
- Improve structure and flow
- Keep it conversational and easy to skim
- Suggest a few job title variations
- Maintain your company’s values throughout
AI can help polish, organize, and refine—but you bring the clarity, authenticity, and real insight about the role.
💡 Remember: AI Should Support Your Hiring, Not Lead It
Think of AI like a co-pilot—not the driver.
If you let it lead, you’ll sound like every other job post out there.
If you use it intentionally, it becomes a tool to help you:
- Say what you mean (clearly)
- Cut fluff
- Structure your post faster
- Stay consistent in tone
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Copy-Paste Economist Job Description (Ready to Use)
We get it—sometimes, you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read this guide and know what a strong job post looks like. But you also want a clean starting point you can copy, paste, and tailor to your company in just a few minutes.
That’s exactly what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Template
Job Title:
Senior Economist – Global Markets Strategy | [Company Name]
Location:
Remote (US-based) | Full-Time | $[Insert Salary Range]
A Quick Note From Us
(Insert Loom or YouTube video from hiring manager here)
Who We Are
We’re [Company Name]—a research-driven team helping clients make smart decisions backed by economic data. From market forecasts to policy analysis, we translate complex signals into clear strategy.
Our clients include startups, investors, and institutions who need more than just reports—they need guidance. And that’s where you come in.
What You’ll Do
As our Senior Economist, you’ll work across projects to:
- Track macroeconomic indicators and global market shifts
- Build forecasting models that help leaders think ahead
- Turn complex findings into digestible insights
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners
- Present your work with clarity and conviction
You’ll be helping companies make smarter moves in a world that’s changing fast.
What You’ll Need
- 5+ years in economics, policy, finance, or research
- Strong analytical and modeling skills (Python, R, Stata a bonus)
- Confidence in presenting insights to decision-makers
- Curiosity, clarity, and comfort with ambiguity
Perks & Benefits
- $[Insert Salary] + performance bonus
- Remote flexibility & async work culture
- Paid health, dental, vision
- 25+ days off per year
- Annual research or learning stipend
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll have room to own your work, shape big decisions, and grow with a sharp, kind team that values deep thinking and strong communication. We don’t micromanage—we collaborate, support, and expect initiative.
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make our hiring process fast, fair, and focused on skills. Click below to complete a short evaluation:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
📋 Option 2: Traditional Structure (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title:
Economist – Research & Strategy | [Company Name]
Location:
[Location / Remote] | Full-Time | $[Salary Range]
Job Summary
[Company Name] is seeking an Economist to join our growing strategy team. You’ll be responsible for analyzing economic trends, building models, and supporting internal and external decision-making through data-backed insights.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze market indicators and global economic trends
- Build forecasting and risk models
- Write reports and executive briefings
- Collaborate across teams on strategy projects
- Present findings to stakeholders clearly and confidently
Qualifications
- Degree in Economics, Finance, or related field
- 3–5 years in economic research or forecasting
- Familiarity with data tools (Excel, R, Python)
- Strong communication and analytical skills
- Experience presenting to senior leaders a plus
Benefits
- Competitive salary + bonus
- Remote work options
- Paid health, dental, vision
- PTO + holidays
- Professional development budget
Application Process
We respect your time. That’s why we use WorkScreen.io—so you’re evaluated based on what you can do, not just what’s on your résumé.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Next Step – Let WorkScreen Help You Hire Smarter
You’ve written a job post that actually reflects your company, your values, and the kind of economist you want to bring on board.
Now comes the next challenge:
How do you quickly and confidently identify the best applicants—without wasting time on buzzwords or AI-polished résumés?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Here’s how WorkScreen helps:
✅ Quickly spot top performers
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Test for what actually matters
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ Give every applicant a great experience
Candidates appreciate structure, transparency, and fair evaluation.
WorkScreen gives them just that—plus a clean interface, clear instructions, and timely updates.
✅ Set it up in minutes
You don’t need to be technical. Just sign up, create your job post, and WorkScreen handles the rest—from custom assessments to final scoring.
Want to see how it works?
Or check it out now by posting your Economist job, sharing your WorkScreen link, and letting the platform handle candidate evaluation for you.
FAQs - Economist Job Description
When hiring an economist, look for a combination of technical skills, communication ability, and strategic thinking.
Here’s what to prioritize:
- Data analysis & modeling: Proficiency in tools like Excel, R, Python, or Stata for building models and forecasting trends.
- Critical thinking: Ability to assess complex variables, question assumptions, and weigh long-term impact.
- Clear communication: Great economists can turn complex findings into insights that non-experts understand and act on.
- Business acumen: Especially in private sector roles, you want someone who understands how economics ties into strategy, growth, and financial outcomes.
- Curiosity & adaptability: Economics changes fast—look for candidates who stay updated and aren’t afraid to rethink models or assumptions.
As of 2025, the average base salary for economists varies depending on industry, location, and experience level:
Role Type | Average Salary (US) |
Entry-Level Economist | $65,000–$80,000/year |
Mid-Level Economist | $90,000–$115,000/year |
Senior Economist | $120,000–$160,000/year |
Economist in Government | $75,000–$105,000/year |
Economist in Finance | $130,000–$180,000/year + bonus |
💡 Note: Economists working in finance or investment roles typically earn more due to performance-based compensation. Academic and public policy roles tend to offer more structured pay with benefits like tenure or pension.
Not always. A PhD is valuable for roles focused on academic research, complex modeling, or publishing thought leadership—but it’s not essential for all roles.
If you’re hiring for:
- Policy work, think tanks, or academia? A PhD may be expected.
- Private sector or business strategy? A master’s degree with strong experience can be just as effective—especially if the candidate has worked in finance, consulting, or tech.
Always match the credential to the actual work you need—not the title.
While both work with data, their goals differ:
- Economists focus on why trends happen and how systems behave over time. Their insights are often theoretical, strategic, or policy-driven.
- Data analysts focus on what is happening now—providing dashboards, summaries, and business KPIs.
If you’re looking for deep insights into markets, policy, or long-term strategy, hire an economist.
If you need real-time reporting or operational dashboards, consider a data analyst.
