How to Write a WordPress Designer Job Description That Attracts Top Talent
Randall Carter
How to Write a WordPress Designer Job Description That Attracts Top Talent
Why a Great Job Description Matters
Setting Clear Expectations
Attracting the Right Candidates
Key Components of a Winning Job Description
Compelling Job Title
Engaging Company/Project Introduction
Detailed Responsibilities
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Preferred 'Nice-to-Have' Skills
WordPress Designer Job Description Template
Job Title:
Project Overview:
Responsibilities:
Must-Have Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
How to Apply:
Dos and Don'ts for Writing Your Job Post
Do: Be Specific and Use Bullet Points
Don't: Use Vague Jargon
Do: Mention the Tools
Don't: Forget to Ask for a Portfolio
Conclusion
References
How to Write a WordPress Designer Job Description That Attracts Top Talent
The first step in finding a brilliant WordPress designer is writing a job description that clearly communicates your needs and attracts qualified candidates. A vague or poorly written job post can lead to a flood of unsuitable applicants, wasting your time and resources. To attract the best, you need to be specific about the role, responsibilities, and the type of professional you're looking for.
This guide will provide a step-by-step process and a template for crafting a job description that stands out. Knowing the difference between a designer and a developer is a crucial first step. After you've written the perfect job description, you'll need to know how to evaluate the portfolios of the candidates who apply.
Why a Great Job Description Matters
Think of your job description as a first date with potential hires. You want to make a great impression while being honest about what you're looking for. It's not just a list of requirements—it's a marketing tool for your project and company.
A well-crafted job description does more than just describe the role. It sets the tone for your entire hiring process. When you invest time in writing a clear, compelling job post, you're essentially pre-screening candidates before they even apply. This saves you hours of reviewing irrelevant applications and conducting pointless interviews.
Setting Clear Expectations
Have you ever started a project only to realize halfway through that everyone had different ideas about what needed to be done? That's exactly what happens when job descriptions are vague. A detailed description ensures that applicants understand the scope of the work, preventing future misunderstandings about deliverables and responsibilities.
For instance, if you need someone to design custom WordPress themes from scratch, say so. If you're looking for someone to work with existing templates and make modifications, be clear about that too. The more specific you are upfront, the fewer surprises you'll encounter down the road.
Clear expectations also help candidates self-select. When designers read your job description, they should immediately know whether they're a good fit. This means fewer unqualified applications and more time spent reviewing promising candidates.
Attracting the Right Candidates
Generic job descriptions attract generic applicants. By being specific about the required skills and experience, you're more likely to attract designers who are a genuine fit for your project, rather than those who are just mass-applying to every design job they see.
The right candidates are looking for more than just any job—they want projects that match their skills and interests. When you clearly articulate what makes your project unique and what specific expertise you need, you naturally filter out mismatched candidates while attracting those who are genuinely excited about the opportunity.
Remember, top WordPress designers have options. They're selective about the projects they take on. Your job description needs to speak directly to them, showing that you understand their value and have an interesting challenge to offer.
Key Components of a Winning Job Description
Creating an effective job description is like building a house—you need a solid foundation and all the right components in place. Let's break down the essential sections that every effective job description for a WordPress designer should include.
Compelling Job Title
Your job title is the first thing candidates see, so make it count. Skip the generic "Web Designer" title that could mean anything. Instead, use a clear and specific title like "Freelance WordPress Designer for E-commerce Site" or "UI/UX-Focused WordPress Designer."
A specific title does two things. First, it helps your posting show up in relevant searches. Second, it immediately tells candidates whether this role aligns with their expertise. For example, "WordPress Designer for SaaS Landing Pages" will attract designers with relevant experience while deterring those who primarily work on blogs or portfolio sites.
Avoid trendy terms like "WordPress Ninja" or "Design Rockstar." While they might seem fun, they often come across as unprofessional and can actually deter serious candidates. Stick to clear, descriptive titles that accurately represent the role.
Engaging Company/Project Introduction
This is your chance to sell the opportunity. Briefly introduce your company or project in a way that gets designers excited about working with you. Don't just list facts—communicate your mission and what makes this project exciting to work on.
Start with a hook that captures attention. Maybe you're disrupting an industry, solving a meaningful problem, or working with cutting-edge technology. Share your company's personality and culture. Are you a fast-paced startup or an established brand looking to refresh your digital presence?
Keep this section concise but compelling. Two to three sentences should be enough to give candidates a feel for who you are and why they should care. Remember, talented designers often choose projects based on interest and alignment with their values, not just pay.
Detailed Responsibilities
Vague descriptions lead to vague applications. Use a bulleted list to clearly outline the designer's day-to-day tasks. Be specific about what they'll actually be doing, not just broad categories of work.
Instead of writing "Design website pages," try something like:
Design responsive page layouts and templates for our WordPress site
Create visual assets for marketing campaigns and social media
Collaborate with our development team to ensure designs are technically feasible
Conduct user research and implement findings into design improvements
Maintain brand consistency across all digital touchpoints
The more detailed you are, the better candidates can assess whether they have the right experience. This also helps set realistic expectations about the workload and scope of the role.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
This section separates the must-haves from the nice-to-haves. List the non-negotiable skills that candidates absolutely need to succeed in this role. Be realistic—if you list twenty "essential" skills, you'll scare away even qualified candidates.
Focus on three categories of skills:
Technical Skills: These might include proficiency in design tools like Figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch. Also mention any WordPress-specific requirements like experience with page builders (Elementor, Divi) or knowledge of CSS for customizations.
Design Skills: Look for evidence of strong visual design principles, understanding of UX best practices, and ability to create responsive designs. A strong portfolio demonstrating these skills is crucial.
Soft Skills: Don't underestimate the importance of communication, time management, and collaboration abilities. These often make the difference between a good designer and a great team member.
Preferred 'Nice-to-Have' Skills
This section is where you can dream a little. Include skills that aren't mandatory but would be a significant advantage. These might include experience with SEO best practices, basic knowledge of PHP, familiarity with your industry, or experience with specific WordPress plugins.
Nice-to-have skills help you identify candidates who could bring extra value to your project. Maybe you don't need someone who knows PHP, but if they do, they could help troubleshoot issues without always needing developer support. Or perhaps experience with e-commerce platforms like WooCommerce would be helpful but not essential.
Keep this list reasonable. Three to five nice-to-have skills is plenty. Any more and you risk making the role seem impossibly demanding.
WordPress Designer Job Description Template
Now let's put it all together. Here's a customizable template you can use as a starting point. Simply replace the bracketed sections with your specific details.
Job Title:
[e.g., Freelance WordPress & WooCommerce Designer]
Project Overview:
[A short, engaging paragraph about your company and the project. For example: "We're a growing sustainable fashion brand looking to redesign our WordPress e-commerce site. Our mission is to make eco-friendly fashion accessible to everyone, and we need a talented designer to help us create an online experience that reflects our values and delights our customers."]
Responsibilities:
[Design custom page layouts and templates that align with our brand guidelines]
[Create responsive designs optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop]
[Collaborate with our content team to ensure designs support our messaging]
[Develop visual assets for product pages, banners, and promotional materials]
[Conduct user testing and iterate designs based on feedback]
[Maintain and update design documentation]
Must-Have Qualifications:
[3+ years of experience designing WordPress websites]
[Strong portfolio demonstrating responsive web design skills]
[Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD]
[Understanding of UX principles and best practices]
[Experience with at least one WordPress page builder]
[Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently]
Preferred Qualifications:
[Experience with WooCommerce or other e-commerce platforms]
[Basic HTML/CSS knowledge for minor customizations]
[Familiarity with SEO best practices]
[Experience in the fashion or retail industry]
[Knowledge of accessibility standards]
How to Apply:
[Instructions on what to include in the application. For example: "Please send your portfolio link, resume, and a brief note explaining why you're interested in this project. In your note, please highlight one WordPress project you're particularly proud of and explain your design process for it."]
Dos and Don'ts for Writing Your Job Post
Even with a great template, there are some common pitfalls to avoid and best practices to follow. Let's look at the key dos and don'ts that can make or break your job description.
Do: Be Specific and Use Bullet Points
Nobody wants to read a wall of text. Make your description easy to scan and digest by using bullet points for lists and breaking up long paragraphs. Be specific about requirements, timelines, and expectations.
When you're specific, you help candidates quickly determine if they're a good fit. Instead of saying "must have design experience," say "must have 3+ years designing WordPress sites for B2B companies." The more precise you are, the more likely you'll attract qualified candidates.
Bullet points also make it easier for candidates to check off requirements as they read. They can quickly see if they meet your criteria without having to parse through dense paragraphs.
Don't: Use Vague Jargon
Avoid clichés like calling someone a "ninja," "rockstar," or "guru." These terms are not only overused but also meaningless. What does a "design ninja" actually do? Nobody knows, and serious professionals often find these terms off-putting.
Similarly, avoid corporate buzzwords that don't add value. Phrases like "synergistic design solutions" or "paradigm-shifting interfaces" just make you sound like you're trying too hard. Stick to clear, professional language that actually describes what you need.
Be wary of using too many acronyms or industry-specific terms without explanation. While WordPress designers will know what CSS and PHP are, they might not be familiar with your company's internal terminology.
Do: Mention the Tools
Different designers have different toolsets, and being upfront about your requirements saves everyone time. Specify if you require experience with particular tools like Elementor, Figma, or Adobe XD. If your team uses specific project management or communication tools, mention those too.
However, be reasonable about tool requirements. If someone is proficient in Sketch but you use Figma, they can likely adapt quickly. Focus on the tools that are truly essential to the role, not just your current preferences.
Also mention any tools or licenses you'll provide. If you have team licenses for design software or premium WordPress plugins, let candidates know. This shows you're invested in giving them the resources they need to succeed.
Don't: Forget to Ask for a Portfolio
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many job descriptions forget to explicitly request a portfolio. The portfolio is the most crucial evaluation tool for any design role, so make it a mandatory part of the application.
Be specific about what you want to see in the portfolio. Ask for WordPress-specific examples if that's what you need. If you're hiring for an e-commerce project, request examples of online store designs. The more relevant the portfolio examples, the better you can assess fit.
Also, consider asking candidates to highlight specific projects or explain their design process for one or two pieces. This gives you insight into how they think and work, not just the final results they produce.
Conclusion
Writing an effective WordPress designer job description isn't just about listing requirements—it's about creating a compelling narrative that attracts the right talent to your project. By being clear, specific, and engaging, you set the stage for a successful hire.
Remember, your job description is often the first impression candidates have of your company or project. Make it count by following the guidelines and template provided here. Take the time to craft a description that truly reflects your needs and company culture.
The effort you put into writing a great job description pays dividends throughout the hiring process. You'll attract better candidates, conduct more productive interviews, and ultimately find a WordPress designer who's the perfect fit for your project. Start with a strong foundation, and the rest of the hiring process becomes much smoother.
References
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Posted Jun 15, 2025
Learn how to craft a clear and compelling job description for a WordPress designer. Our guide includes a template and examples to help you find the perfect match.
