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If you’ve Googled “software developer job description,” you’ve probably seen the same thing over and over again:
Bullet points. Buzzwords. Boilerplate.
But here’s the problem—those cookie-cutter job posts don’t actually help you attract top developers. They might fill a seat, but they won’t bring in the kind of talent that drives real impact.
Because great developers?
They’re not just skimming job boards for technical checklists. They want to know what they’re building. Who they’re building it with. And why it matters.
Unfortunately, most job descriptions fail to answer those questions.
They’re written like HR compliance documents—not like an invitation to join a real mission.
So in this guide, we’re going to flip the script.
We’ll show you how to write a software developer job description that actually connects—whether you’re hiring a senior full-stack engineer or someone you’re willing to train.
Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check 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 walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology—and what it takes to stand out in a crowded hiring market.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What A Software Developer Actually Does - Their Duties
A software developer isn’t just someone who writes code.
They’re a builder, a problem solver, and often the invisible architect behind your product’s success.
At their core, developers take complex ideas and turn them into functional, elegant solutions people can actually use.
In practical terms, a software developer designs, builds, tests, and maintains applications—web, mobile, backend, or full-stack—depending on the company’s needs. But the job goes far beyond technical execution.
The best developers:
- Collaborate with product and design teams to shape user experiences
- Think critically about scalability, performance, and edge cases
- Communicate clearly when things break (because they always do)
- Stay curious and keep learning as technologies evolve
They’re not just pushing code—they’re building the backbone of your company’s product. That’s why technical skills matter, but so do curiosity, communication, and ownership.
If you treat this like a generic checklist role, you’ll attract generic applicants.
But if you write a post that explains what the role actually means—and why it matters—you’ll attract people who care about doing meaningful work.
Two Great Software Developer Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced Line Cook with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Option 1: Experienced Software Developer
📌 Job Title: Senior Full-Stack Developer to Help Scale Our B2B SaaS Platform (Remote, EST-friendly)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote | $95,000–$130,000/year
🕒 Hours: Flexible, but overlap with 9AM–2PM EST preferred
🎥 Meet Your Manager: [Insert Loom video link here]
Who We Are
We’re a fast-growing B2B SaaS startup helping small service businesses streamline their operations. Over 1,200 companies rely on us to run everything from invoicing to customer communication. We’re small, scrappy, and shipping fast—and now we’re looking for a full-stack developer to help us scale.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll work closely with our CTO and product team to:
- Build and improve features in our main React + Node.js app
- Optimize backend performance and infrastructure
- Collaborate on product architecture and roadmap
- Review code, mentor junior devs, and uphold quality
- Proactively fix bugs, edge cases, and technical debt
This is a role for someone who thrives in startup environments—comfortable owning projects end-to-end and making smart trade-offs between speed and stability.
What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years experience building web applications (React + Node.js preferred)
- Strong grasp of REST APIs, SQL/noSQL, and Git workflows
- Comfortable working autonomously in a remote setting
- Clear communicator and systems thinker
- Bonus: DevOps experience (AWS, CI/CD pipelines, etc.)
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
We treat developers like product partners, not task robots. You’ll get:
- True ownership over what you build
- A lean, focused team with minimal bureaucracy
- Real input into product and technical decisions
- Health insurance, paid leave, and learning stipends
- Clear growth paths—and promotions based on impact, not politics
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to fairly evaluate all applicants based on skill—not just résumés.
Click here to start your short evaluation: [Insert WorkScreen link].
We’ll review every submission and respond within 7 business days.
✅ Option 2: Entry-Level Developer / Willing to Train
📌 Job Title: Junior Developer (We’ll Train You!) for Our E-Commerce App (Remote, US-based)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote | $50,000–$65,000/year
🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri | Flexible schedule
🎥 Meet the Team: [Insert Loom video link here — short intro from the Lead Engineer or CTO]
About Us
We’re a small team building a Shopify-integrated app that helps online stores boost conversion through AI-driven product recommendations. We’ve grown from 0 to 3,000+ users in 18 months and are now hiring a junior dev to support our growth.
You don’t need a Computer Science degree or years of experience—we care more about your mindset than your résumé.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Fix bugs and improve UI elements in our React frontend
- Assist with backend feature development in Node.js
- Write documentation and test coverage
- Learn version control, pull requests, and agile workflows
- Work closely with our lead engineer and product manager
You’ll get mentored, supported, and coached—but we’ll expect you to show up curious, reliable, and eager to grow.
Who This Role Is For
- You’ve done some self-taught coding (even if it’s bootcamp or personal projects)
- You’re hungry to learn and get better
- You’re reliable, organized, and communicate clearly
- Bonus: Familiarity with React, TypeScript, or APIs (but not required)
What You’ll Get
- Paid training and mentorship
- Access to online courses and resources
- Health benefits, PTO, and paid holidays
- Real-world experience working on a live product
- The chance to grow into a full-stack developer role over time
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate potential, not just experience.
Start your short application here: [Insert WorkScreen link].
We’ll reply to every applicant and give feedback within 1 week.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Breakdown of Why These Posts Work
Let’s walk through what makes each of these software developer job descriptions effective—not just well-formatted, but actually compelling to the right candidates.
✅ 1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
- Bad: “Developer Wanted”
- Good: “Senior Full-Stack Developer to Help Scale Our B2B SaaS Platform”
This immediately signals what the role is, where it fits, and why it matters. It filters in the right candidates while filtering out the wrong ones.
✅ 2. They Start With Context, Not Just Tasks
Both posts open with a short, human intro that explains:
- Who the company is
- What they’re building
- Why this role matters in the bigger picture
This creates emotional buy-in. You’re not hiring for any developer—you’re inviting someone to join a mission.
✅ 3. Salary Ranges Are Transparent
Sharing compensation builds trust and saves time on both ends.
It signals that you’re serious, structured, and not hiding the ball—especially important in tech, where candidates are often comparing multiple offers.
✅ 4. The Culture and Team Dynamic Are Highlighted
- In the senior post, culture is shown through phrases like “you’ll own what you build” and “lean, focused team.”
- In the junior post, it’s about mentorship, learning, and support.
These subtle cues help the reader picture themselves in the role—far more effective than vague claims like “we’re a fun place to work.”
✅ 5. Responsibilities Reflect Ownership, Not Just Tasks
Instead of saying:
- “Write code and fix bugs”
You say:
- “You’ll help us scale our React + Node app” or
- “You’ll support our growth by improving UI and backend systems”
The language emphasizes impact, not just execution.
✅ 6. The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Transparent
- You explain how candidates will be evaluated (via WorkScreen)
- You give timelines for responses
- You tell them what to expect
This alone puts you ahead of 90% of job posts—and makes candidates feel seen and respected from the first click.
✅ 7. Including a Loom Video Makes It Personal
A short video from the hiring manager or lead developer adds a human face to your brand.
It shows candidates who they’d actually be working with, helps establish trust, and makes the post stand out in a sea of static text.
Example of a Bad Software Developer Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Let’s take a look at a typical “corporate default” job post—the kind you’ll find all over the internet. Then we’ll break down why it misses the mark.
Job Title: Software Developer
Company: ABC Tech Solutions
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
ABC Tech Solutions is looking for a software developer to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for coding, testing, and debugging software applications in accordance with company standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Write clean, scalable code
- Troubleshoot and debug applications
- Collaborate with team members on technical tasks
- Participate in code reviews
- Maintain documentation
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field
- 2–4 years of experience in software development
- Proficiency in at least one programming language
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Good communication skills
How to Apply
Send your résumé and cover letter to careers@abctechsolutions.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚫 Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Title Is Too Generic
“Software Developer” could mean anything—backend? frontend? full-stack? There’s no signal of what the job entails or what makes it special.
2. The Introduction Feels Empty
There’s no context, mission, or purpose. It doesn’t tell you why this role exists, what the team is building, or why it matters. It sounds like filler.
3. No Salary or Perks
Leaving out compensation instantly puts you behind more transparent competitors. And without benefits or perks, there’s no incentive or excitement.
4. The Responsibilities Are Vague
“Write clean code” and “collaborate with team members” are meaningless without specifics. What product are they working on? What problems are they solving?
5. No Culture or Values
There’s no hint of the company’s culture, leadership style, or working environment. Candidates can’t tell what kind of team they’re joining—or if they’d fit in.
6. The Application Process Is Cold
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” makes the whole thing feel one-sided. There’s no mention of timelines, next steps, or even basic respect.
7. No Personality, No Connection
The tone is stiff and robotic. There’s no humanity, no voice, no reason for a great developer to get excited about this opportunity.
Should You Use AI to Write a Software Developer Job Description?
The short answer:
Yes—but not blindly.
Lately, more companies (and even some ATS platforms) are offering one-click AI-generated job descriptions. And while these tools can save time, they often lead to one thing:
Generic, low-effort posts that attract generic, low-effort candidates.
Here’s why that’s a problem:
- AI doesn’t know your company’s culture, values, or mission.
It just regurgitates patterns it’s seen across the internet—which often means stiff, outdated, and uninspired job posts. - You risk attracting the wrong candidates.
Lazy job post → lazy applicants. The best developers can smell copy-paste content from a mile away—and they won’t waste time applying. - Your brand suffers.
Your job post is often the first impression someone has of your company. Why use a mass-produced template for something that important?
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI isn’t the enemy—it’s a tool. But like any tool, you need to give it the right inputs.
Here’s how to use AI the right way when writing a job description:
🔧 Start With Clear Inputs
Before prompting AI, gather these:
- What your company does
- Why this role exists
- Key responsibilities
- Your company culture and values
- Benefits and perks
- Salary range
- Desired tone (e.g., conversational, warm, honest)
🧠 Then Use a Prompt Like This:
“Help me write a software developer job description for our company, [Your Company Name]. We’re hiring a [Insert Level] Developer to help with [Describe the product, problem, or outcome]. Our culture is [Describe tone—collaborative, fast-moving, learning-focused, etc.], and we want to attract candidates who are [Curious, self-motivated, team-oriented, etc.]. We offer [List benefits, salary range], and here’s how our hiring process works: [Explain steps]. Here are some raw notes to guide you: [Paste any brainstorm bullets or ideas you already have].”
This gives the AI real context—and what it produces will sound 10x more like you and 10x less like every other post online.
✏️ Bottom Line: AI Should Polish, Not Replace
Use AI to help you refine tone, improve structure, or generate options—not to write the entire post from scratch.
And remember: your job post is your brand’s handshake. Make it human.
Bonus Tips That Make Your Job Post Stand Out
If you want your software developer job post to rise above the noise, don’t stop at formatting. Add these small but powerful details that show you actually care about the candidate experience.
✅ 1. Add a Privacy & Security Notice for Applicants
Job scams are on the rise—and candidates are more cautious than ever. Reassure them that your process is safe by including a clear privacy statement.
Example:
“We take the privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking information, or sensitive personal data during the application process.”
It’s simple, and it builds instant trust.
✅ 2. Mention Time Off or Flex Days
Most job posts talk about what you’ll do—but not how you’ll rest. Even one line about paid leave or flex days can make your post more attractive.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 24 flex days off per year to recharge, reflect, and come back stronger.”
This shows you value sustainability—not just output.
✅ 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Top developers are always learning. If you support ongoing growth, say it clearly.
Example:
“We offer paid learning stipends, access to courses, and internal mentorship to help you grow in your role.”
This is especially important for junior or entry-level posts—but even senior developers want to know they won’t stagnate.
✅ 4. Include a Loom or YouTube Video
A 90-second intro from the hiring manager or a team member builds more connection than paragraphs ever could. It puts a face to your company and shows candidates what kind of team they’re stepping into.
Bonus Tip: Mention the video early in the post (right below job title) so it grabs attention immediately.
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
✅ 5. Write a Human, Encouraging Call to Action
End with an invite, not a demand. Instead of cold phrases like “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” say something like:
“We’re excited to learn more about you. We reply to every applicant and promise to keep you updated every step of the way.”
It costs nothing—and makes a lasting impression.
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.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast.
Maybe you’ve already read this guide, understand what a great job post looks like, and just want a solid starting point you can tailor in a few minutes.
That’s 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 kitchen.
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 Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Software Developer to Help Build the Future of [Your Industry]
💼 Type: Full-Time | Remote | $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year
🎥 Meet Your Team: [Insert Loom or YouTube video link]
Who We Are
At [Company Name], we’re building [a quick sentence about your product/mission]. We’re a lean, ambitious team, and we’re looking for a developer who’s excited to take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and grow with us.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Build and improve features in [tech stack or product]
- Collaborate with product and design to shape user experience
- Contribute to planning, architecture, and technical decisions
- Fix bugs, improve performance, and ship with quality
- Support internal documentation and code reviews
What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years of experience (or strong portfolio if less)
- Familiarity with [languages/tools you use]
- Communicates clearly and asks good questions
- Proactive, curious, and willing to grow
- Bonus: [optional nice-to-have]
Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
You’ll be joining a team that values:
- Real ownership (we don’t micromanage)
- Constant learning (we invest in growth)
- Honest feedback and supportive teammates
- [List benefits: PTO, insurance, equipment, etc.]
How to Apply
We use [WorkScreen.io] to evaluate applicants based on skills—not just résumés.
Click here to start your short application: [Insert WorkScreen link].
We reply to every applicant and will keep you updated every step of the way.
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Full-Stack Software Developer
Location: Remote
Salary: $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Brief
We’re seeking a software developer to help build and maintain key features across our [web/mobile/backend] application. You’ll work on a modern stack, contribute to our product roadmap, and play a key role in scaling our platform.
Responsibilities
- Write clean, maintainable code in [Your Languages]
- Design and develop APIs and backend logic
- Work with frontend components (React, Vue, etc.)
- Debug issues and write tests
- Participate in code reviews and standups
- Collaborate across product, design, and QA
Requirements
- years experience as a developer
- Strong understanding of [your tech stack]
- Familiar with Git, CI/CD, and agile workflows
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + performance bonuses
- Remote work flexibility
- Health insurance + PTO
- Learning budget or mentorship
- A culture that values quality, speed, and empathy
Apply Here
We use [WorkScreen.io] to evaluate skills fairly and quickly.
Start your application here: [Insert Link]
We’ll review all submissions and respond within [timeframe].
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Writing a great job post is the first half of the battle.
The second half? Sorting through applications, evaluating skills, and making the right hire—without wasting time on people who copy-paste their way through the process.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
✅ WorkScreen helps you:
🔍 Spot your top candidates faster
WorkScreen automatically evaluates every applicant and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard—so you can instantly see who’s a strong fit and who’s just applying everywhere.
🧪 Run skill assessments with one click
Forget guessing from résumés. Use WorkScreen to test real-world ability—like writing code, solving logic challenges, or analyzing problems relevant to your product.
🚫 Eliminate low-effort applicants
Tired of AI-generated cover letters and “one-click apply” spam? WorkScreen filters them out. That means you only spend time on people who actually want the job and have the potential to thrive in it.
📈 Make confident, data-backed decisions
Hiring shouldn’t be guesswork. With WorkScreen, you get objective results, clear candidate insights, and a faster path to the right hire.
👉 Ready To Get Started?
Create a job post in minutes, get a shareable link, and let WorkScreen do the heavy lifting.
Whether you’re hiring your first developer or scaling an entire team—WorkScreen helps you hire smarter, faster, and more confidently.
Software Developer Job Description - Frequently Asked Questions
The most essential skills for a software developer typically include:
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with programming languages like JavaScript, Python, Java, or Ruby; understanding of front-end and/or back-end frameworks (e.g., React, Node.js, Django).
- Problem-Solving: The ability to break down complex problems and create efficient, scalable solutions.
- Version Control: Experience using Git and GitHub for code collaboration.
- Database Knowledge: Understanding of SQL and NoSQL databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB.
- Collaboration & Communication: Comfort working in teams, participating in standups, giving and receiving feedback, and documenting code.
- Testing & Debugging: Writing unit tests and debugging across environments.
- Continuous Learning: Staying current with evolving technologies and best practices.
Bonus skills may include DevOps experience (Docker, AWS), UI/UX awareness, or mobile app development.
Software developer salaries vary based on experience, location, and specialization. Here’s a rough breakdown for the U.S. (2025 estimates):
- Junior Developer (0–2 years): $60,000–$85,000/year
- Mid-Level Developer (2–5 years): $85,000–$110,000/year
- Senior Developer (5+ years): $110,000–$150,000/year+
In high-cost-of-living cities like San Francisco or New York, senior developers can earn upwards of $180,000–$200,000, especially with in-demand skills.
Remote roles tend to normalize salary ranges, but top-tier developers still command strong compensation packages.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle difference:
- Software developers tend to focus on building applications and writing code based on specifications.
- Software engineers typically approach problems from a broader engineering perspective—considering scalability, architecture, and system design.
In practice, most startups and mid-sized companies treat them the same. What matters more is what the candidate has actually built—not the title on their résumé.
Always hire based on skills and mindset—not just credentials.
Great developers often come from non-traditional backgrounds (bootcamps, self-taught, career changers). Look for curiosity, learning velocity, and ownership. That’s what leads to strong long-term performance.
- Résumés with lots of buzzwords but no clear accomplishments
- Candidates who can’t explain why they made certain technical decisions
- Weak GitHub activity (especially for senior roles)
- One-click applications with generic cover letters
- Poor communication during async interactions (sloppy code samples, vague answers)
Using a tool like WorkScreen can help weed out these red flags early—before they waste your time.
