How to Write a Python Job Description in 2025

Most Python job descriptions fall into two categories: either too vague to give candidates a clear picture, or overloaded with jargon that they become unreadable. The result? Applicants either scroll past or apply without really understanding the role, and you end up with wasted time and mismatched pipelines.

Here’s the thing: a job description isn’t just an HR document. For most candidates, it’s the first impression they have of what working with you might be like. Done well, it sets expectations clearly, helps candidates self-assess, and builds trust in your team. Done poorly, it drives away the right people and attracts the wrong ones.

To make this easier, we put together this guide to help hiring managers, recruiters, and founders write Python job descriptions that are clear, practical, and built for today’s hiring challenges.

Why Follow This Framework?

This framework is built from real-world experience and research-backed best practices, giving you a clear approach to writing Python job descriptions that actually work.

Using it can help you:

• Increase applicant volume and quality by 30-50%

• Reduce ambiguity with clear skill signals (e.g., data vs backend)

• Appeal to modern Python developers who are remote-savvy, async-capable, and motivated by product impact

Think of it as a roadmap that sets you up for smoother hiring from start to finish. 

What to Include in a Python Job Description

The sections below outline what to include in a Python job description, why it matters, and examples you can adapt for your own team. Think of it as a practical checklist, but written as guidance, rather than a rigid template.

1. Job Title & Salary Band

Your job title is the headline, and the salary band is the hook. Together, they set expectations and make candidates stop scrolling. Applicants today expect transparency, so clear titles and ranges show professionalism and respect for their time.

Strong job descriptions usually specify seniority level (e.g., Senior Python Engineer vs Python Developer), share a clear salary range and equity upfront, and clarify whether the role is remote, hybrid, or office-based. 

Example: 

Senior Python Engineer — £85k-£110k + equity | Remote or Hybrid | London

2. Mission-Led Intro (3-4 sentences)

Your mission statement is your chance to connect with candidates on a deeper level. It explains why your company exists, the problem you’re solving, and the impact you hope to make. When writing this section, focus on clarity and authenticity. Start with the mission or problem, share key milestones or traction, and hint at the values that guide your team.

Example:

We're building the software infrastructure for a smarter, more sustainable world. Our platform helps users automate critical decisions through real-time data. We’ve raised funding from top-tier investors and are growing fast.

3. Core Responsibilities

This section clarifies the scope of the role, what day-to-day life looks like, and the ownership candidates can expect. Focus on actions and impact rather than a simple list of tasks, and group responsibilities into themes (e.g., backend, machine learning, leadership). Strong job descriptions also often start each point with an action verb.

Example:

• Design, build, and maintain backend APIs and services

• Lead projects end-to-end from spec to production

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, ops, design)

• Write clean, testable code and review others’ work

4. Our Stack

Many job descriptions skip the stack or bury it in jargon. Sharing yours clearly gives technical candidates the signal they care about. Beyond just listing languages and tools, it’s a chance to highlight thoughtful stack design, modern practices, and the kinds of problems they’ll tackle. This helps candidates quickly assess whether their skills and interests align.

Example:

We use Python 3.11, Django, PostgreSQL, Redis, and Celery. Our infra includes Docker, Terraform, and AWS. Our CI/CD runs on GitHub Actions. You may also encounter GraphQL and async tasks.

5. Requirements

This section outlines the core skills, experience, and traits that make someone a strong fit for the role. Focus on 4-6 key requirements that matter for success, and be inclusive of candidates with adjacent or non-traditional backgrounds. Avoid overemphasising degrees or credentials unless they’re essential.

Example:

• 4+ years of Python engineering experience

• Familiarity with REST APIs and microservice architecture

• Cloud fluency (GCP, AWS, or Azure)

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, collaborative teams

6. Nice-to-Haves

This section is optional, but can help attract a wider range of candidates and highlight skills or experiences that would be a plus. Keep it brief and clearly indicate that these are not required, and encourage candidates to apply even if they don’t check every box.

Example:

• Experience with FastAPI, Kafka, or Airflow

• Open-source contributions

• Fintech, data-heavy, or startup background

• Strong DevOps understanding (CI/CD, IaC)

7. Culture Fit

Candidates want to know if they’ll thrive on your team, and your team wants candidates who fit your values and way of working. Be honest about autonomy, pace, collaboration, and quality. Sharing the real team culture helps attract the right people.

Example:

We value initiative, ownership, and curiosity. You’ll be trusted to spot bugs, improve systems, and shape what we build. If you enjoy solving hard problems and working without micromanagement, you’ll thrive here.

8. Logistics & Benefits

Clear information about logistics and benefits helps candidates understand the practical side of the role. Be upfront about the work arrangement and include location or time zone coverage. Highlight 4-6 key benefits, including holidays, equity, equipment, or L&D support, to show what makes your team a great place to work. 

Example:

• Remote (UK or Europe) with quarterly in-person offsites

• £85k-£110k + equity

• 33 days holiday (incl. public holidays)

• Health & wellbeing budget

• Home office setup support

• L&D budget (£1,500/year)

9. Interview Process

Sharing your interview process helps candidates know what to expect, reduces anxiety, and improves conversion. Be clear about each stage, include timeframes and who they’ll meet, and flag take-home tasks or tech screens early. Transparency here builds trust and sets candidates up for a smoother experience.

Example:

1. 30-min intro call with hiring manager

2. Take-home coding task (2-3 hrs max)

3. Final technical & culture interview (90 mins)

Example Template

Use this as a starting point to write your own Python job description. Fill in the brackets with details specific to your company and team.

Senior Python Engineer (Remote UK | £85k-£110k + Equity)

We're building [mission]. Backed by [investors/traction], we help [target users] solve [real problem].

What You’ll Do

[Text]

Our Stack

Python 3.11, Django, PostgreSQL, Docker, AWS, CI/CD

What We’re Looking For

• Strong Python skills

• Experience building production APIs

• Cloud + infra understanding (GCP, AWS)

• Bonus: [Your nice-to-haves]
  
  

How We Work

• High trust and low ego culture

• Async-friendly and remote-first

• Expect fast feedback and full ownership

Benefits

• 33 days holiday

• Remote-first with quarterly meetups

• Private healthcare & L&D budget
  
  

Interview Process

1. Intro Call

2. Take-home Task

3. Final Interview

Summary

With this framework, you can write Python job descriptions that align with modern developer expectations, attract a more diverse and qualified candidate pool, and build trust through transparency and clarity. 

It also helps standardise job descriptions across all levels, reduce hiring friction, and create a smoother, more positive experience for candidates.

Looking to sharpen your job descriptions for Python roles? 

If you’d like tailored advice or want to learn more about attracting the right candidates, reach out to Joshua Smith, he’ll be happy to help.