How to Write a Consultant Job Description: 4 Tips

By MBO Partners • November 16, 2024

3 MIN

Key points

When seeking an independent contractor for a project, crafting a job description that appeals to the right talent is key.
You don’t need to list the project budget in your job posting, but have a clear budget in mind before you post.
Use our four tips to write a job description that attracts the independent talent you need.

When looking for an independent contractor for a project, it’s essential to craft a job description that attracts the right talent. Writing this description differs from creating one for a full-time employee. A strong project description will help filter out candidates without the right skills and attract the best matches.

To help you get started, here are four tips for writing a job description that brings in the independent talent you need.

1. Share a List of Project Goals

When writing any job description, it’s first important to understand the audience you’re trying to attract. Independent contractors are fundamentally different than employees, and getting a handle on their motivations will help you write a project description that assures independents you know where they are coming from and that you can meet their specific needs.

The top reasons people pursue self-employment include the desire for schedule control, better work/life balance, higher earnings, and the opportunity to work on projects they enjoy. Make sure the place you’re posting your project description makes it clear that the opportunity is for a freelancer or independent contractor and contains information about what it’s like to work with your company.

Remember, independent professionals are experts in their field. While you don’t need to use industry jargon, you should be able to clearly outline the project goals.

2. Specify Required Skills and Experience

As much as possible, list the skills and experience required for the project. This could include:

Years of experience needed
Expected weekly hours
Project’s date range
Travel requirements
Whether expenses will be reimbursed
Primary responsibilities
Necessary licenses or certifications

If you’re seeking talent with specific certifications or educational qualifications, be sure to list those requirements as well.

3. Include a General Pay Range

While you don’t need to include the project budget explicitly, be sure you know the budget you are working with before you create a job posting. Experienced independent professionals typically have a standard bill rate and will likely want to discuss finances upfront. If possible, it’s helpful to include an hourly pay range in the job description.

4. Post Your Jobs in the Right Place

Company career pages are often not built or suitable for listing independent job opportunities. That’s why so many enterprise managers today use an online marketplace to find independent professionals to fill project needs.

Marketplaces can be a great way to post jobs and connect with top talent. Independent contractors typically create a profile and either apply to or get matched with positions that align with their skillset. Independent contractors are accustomed to searching for work on marketplaces, so using one where you can clearly post available opportunities with your company can be a great way to attract top talent.

Check out MBO’s platform to post job opportunities, search for talent, or let our team send you the best matches straight to your inbox.