How to Write a Job Description That Actually Attracts Marketing Talent

If you’re hiring marketers in the North of England, your job ad isn’t just a list of tasks, it’s your sales pitch. Get it wrong and you’ll attract the wrong types of people or worse, silence. Actually I’m not sure which is worse!! Get it right, and you’ll have great people knocking on your door. read on to find out how to write a job description that gets found, gets read, and gets the right people applying.

Start With Your Ideal Candidate in Mind

Before you even type “Job Title”, ask: who are you trying to hire?
Are you after a hands-on digital marketer? A performance expert? A brand builder? Your ad should speak directly to them, their skills, values, and motivations. But don’t just list every marketing skill in the dictionary, this seriously puts people off. No-one will be an expert in everything!

🧠 Tip: Research similar job ads to see what language is working and how you can stand out.

Use a Clear, Searchable Job Title

Avoid clever or vague titles like “Growth Wizard” or “Marketing Rockstar”. Stick to what people are actually searching for.
✅ Good example:
Digital Marketing Manager – Based in Leeds
This helps your role appear in search results for marketing jobs in Leeds or digital roles in the North.

Write a Hook That Grabs Attention

Your opening paragraph should do three things:
1. Say what the job is.
2. Say who it’s for.
3. Say why it matters.
Example:
“Looking to lead digital campaigns for a fast-growing SaaS company in Manchester? We’re hiring a Digital Marketing Manager to take charge of performance and strategy across multiple channels.”

Be Specific About Responsibilities

People want to know what they’ll actually be doing, not just a buzzwords.
🔧 Responsibilities might include:
• Plan and run PPC and paid social campaigns
• Optimise landing pages and test new copy
• Report on performance using Google Analytics
• Collaborate with design and sales to align messaging
Use bullet points. Keep them focused. Cut the fluff.

List Key Skills Clearly

Break them into:
• Essential skills
• Nice to have
Be realistic. If you’re asking for 8+ years of experience, advanced SEO, HubSpot expertise, and brand strategy in one role you’ll limit your pool.

Sell the Perks, Not Just the Role

Top talent isn’t just looking for a salary. They want to know what it’s like to work with you.
🎯 Include:
• Hybrid or remote working options
• Training and development opportunities
• What your team culture is really like
• Office location and vibe (especially if you’re in a city like Leeds, York, Sheffield, or Manchester). Be transparent. it’s one of the key filters.
Location is one of the top filters on every job board.
Instead of saying “flexible”, say:
📍 This role is based in Manchester with 2 days a week in the office.
That kind of clarity boosts trust and avoids wasted time.

Include a Strong Call to Action
End with a direct, friendly line.
Example CTA:
“Interested? Apply with your CV and a short note telling us why this role excites you.”
Make it easy to apply and let them know what to expect next.

Use Inclusive Language
Avoid anything that could unintentionally put people off applying.
🚫 Instead of: “We want a young, dynamic go-getter.”
✅ Try: “We’re looking for a proactive, curious marketer ready to make an impact.”
Inclusive job descriptions attract a wider range of applicants and better talent.

Optimise for SEO

Your job ad should include phrases people are actually Googling.
Use terms like:
• “Marketing jobs in Manchester”
• “Digital roles in Yorkshire”
• “Hiring a content marketer, North of England”
Use these naturally in your:
• Job title
• Subheadings
• First paragraph
• Meta description (if your CMS allows it)

Final Thoughts

A good job ad isn’t just a list, it’s your first impression.
Make it sound like you. Make it sound real. And most of all, make it easy for the right person to say “yes”.

Need help writing your next job ad or finding the right marketer? We do this every day.
👉 Talk to Northern Marketing Jobs, marketing recruitment for businesses across Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and beyond.