October 28, 2025
4 min read
How to Write a Job Post Developers Actually Read
How to Write a Job Post Developers Actually Read
Developers don’t apply to vague, corporate-sounding job posts — they scroll past them. In communities like Reddit or Discord, attention is scarce. You have a few seconds to make your post sound real, specific, and worth replying to.
Here’s how to write a job ad that gets developers interested enough to comment.
1. Lead with what makes the project interesting
Forget the fluff like “dynamic team” or “fast-paced environment.” Developers want to know what they’ll build and why it matters.
Instead of:
“We’re an innovative startup looking for a motivated full-stack developer…”
Try:
“We’re building a dashboard that helps indie game studios manage player feedback in real time. Looking for a full-stack dev to help us with the next release.”
That one sentence already gives purpose, context, and curiosity.
2. Be transparent about pay and expectations
Nothing makes developers skip faster than “competitive compensation.” Just say what it is.
💰 Pay: $30–50/hour (depends on experience)
⏱️ Hours: ~20/week for 2 months, extension possible
Even if you’re flexible, putting a range shows respect and filters out mismatched applicants early.
If you can’t list exact pay, mention the decision process:
“We’ll discuss rates during the first chat, based on project scope.”
Transparency builds trust.
3. List tools and skills that actually matter
Don’t overload the post with a giant tech stack — it makes it look like you don’t know what you need. Focus on 3–5 essentials.
Example:
- Stack: React, TypeScript, Firebase, Git
- Nice to have: Tailwind, Figma familiarity
This signals you understand the work. Developers value clarity more than length.
4. Show the human side of your project
Developers respond better when they see the person behind the post. A simple detail helps:
“You’ll be working directly with me — I’m the product manager who handles roadmap and testing.”
It instantly makes your post more relatable. Anonymous or overly formal posts rarely get good replies, especially on community-driven platforms like Reddit.
5. Be clear about the next step
If you want applicants to comment, say so. If you prefer DMs or links, explain the format.
“Please comment with a short intro (skills, timezone, portfolio link). We’ll follow up with those who fit best.”
This helps candidates respond in the right way and saves you time sorting through random messages.
6. Don’t overcomplicate your requirements
If you’re hiring for a 3-week gig, don’t ask for a decade of experience and five frameworks. It looks unrealistic and drives away good talent.
Instead of:
“Must have 7+ years of experience in multiple JS frameworks.”
Try:
“We need someone comfortable writing production-ready React code — you don’t need a decade of experience, just solid skills and reliability.”
That tone invites confident but realistic applicants.
7. Keep formatting clean and scannable
Developers skim. Use short paragraphs, bullet lists, and emojis sparingly for readability.
Example layout:
🧩 Project: Building a booking system for tutors 🛠 Stack: Vue, Node.js, MongoDB 💰 Pay: $40/hour ⏱ Hours: 15–20/week 📅 Timeline: 2 months, starts next week
Readable posts look professional even in casual spaces.
8. Share progress or updates later
Follow-ups build credibility. When you comment a few days later like:
“Thanks everyone — we’ve found someone for the role!”
…it shows your company keeps communication open. Developers remember that and are more likely to apply to your future listings.
9. Avoid buzzwords entirely
Words like “rockstar,” “ninja,” or “superstar” make good developers cringe. Stick to real titles — “frontend dev,” “backend engineer,” “mobile app developer.”
Keep your language normal. If you wouldn’t say it out loud, don’t write it.
Final thoughts
A good job post reads like a conversation, not a brochure. It tells people what you’re building, what you expect, and what you offer in return — no fluff.
Clarity and honesty go a long way. Developers aren’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for someone real to build with.
Start there, and you’ll get better applicants instantly.
