👩🏻‍💻 by Hailley Griffis

For years I’ve saved job descriptions that match or slightly exceed my current role. I don’t apply to them. I use them to write the job description for the role I want next, which gives me a clear picture of the skills to build, the projects to prioritize, and a crystal-clear answer when a manager asks where I want to go.

This is especially useful at smaller companies where there’s no established career ladder for your role.

Duplicate this to your own Notion space to get started. There is a button at the top right.

Part 1: Collect job descriptions

1. Set up saved searches on LinkedIn (or your job board of choice) for roles similar to yours and one or two levels ahead.
2. When one resonates, add it to the database below. Note what specifically drew you to it. Be sure to copy and paste the role description in, since the link will eventually be removed when they hire someone.
3. Over time you’ll notice your taste sharpening. When I started I was in public relations; the descriptions I kept saving pointed toward a broader communications role, which is where I ended up.

Here’s what my database looks like:

Saved Job Descriptions

Part 2: Write your future job description

Combine the descriptions you’ve saved. Remove the duplicates (there will be many). Then make it more specific than a real posting would be — add the details that make sense for your organization and your ambitions. Vague descriptions aren’t useful here.

Future job description: [Title]

Title:

Reports to / works most closely with:

Mission of the role (2–3 sentences):

Responsibilities: