How to write a QA job description that good people apply to

We read hundreds of QA vacancy texts a year, and most of them could be swapped between companies without anyone noticing. Experienced QA Officers notice. They have seen "ensure compliance with GMP guidelines" a thousand times, and it tells them nothing about whether this job is worth a phone call.

1. Say what the site makes and what the problem is

"Pharmaceutical company in the Randstad" attracts nobody. "Sterile fill/finish CDMO converting two lines to isolators before a Q3 client audit" attracts exactly the people you want. If confidentiality prevents naming the company, describe the site: product type, scale, clients, what is happening this year.

2. Replace responsibilities with the actual week

Instead of "review batch documentation", write "review executed batch records for two filling lines, typically 3–5 per day, and prepare the release package for the QP". Instead of "handle deviations", write "own 8–12 open deviations at any time, from classification to CAPA effectiveness". The numbers are what a good candidate is comparing against their current job.

3. Split must-haves from nice-to-haves, and keep must-haves to four

Every requirement you add removes applicants. "Master's degree, 5 years sterile QA, Dutch C1, lead auditor certificate, Annex 1 project experience, SAP QM", nobody has all of that and the people who have most of it will not apply because they assume they are not what you want. Four must-haves. Everything else is a nice-to-have, labelled as such.

4. Put the salary band in the text

Vacancies with a salary range receive two to three times the applications of those without, and the applicants are better matched. "Competitive salary" signals that you would rather not say, which candidates read as "below market". If you are worried about internal equity, use a band: €55–68k depending on experience.

5. State the language requirement honestly

"Dutch preferred" wastes everyone's time when you mean "required", and excludes 40 % of the market when you mean "nice to have". Say which, and say why: "Dutch B2 required, you will lead deviation interviews with operators".

6. Describe the screening and the timeline

"Two interviews and a case, decision within three weeks of application" tells a candidate you have a process. Good QA Officers are often in another process already; knowing your timeline lets them plan.

Before and after

Before: "We are looking for a QA Officer to join our team. You will ensure compliance with GMP, review batch documentation, handle deviations and support audits. Requirements: BSc/MSc, 3+ years QA experience, knowledge of Annex 1, Dutch and English, team player."

After: "Sterile CDMO on the Leiden Bio Science Park, converting two filling lines to isolators in 2026–27. You own the QA side of one line: batch record review (3–5 per day), 8–12 open deviations, change controls for the project, and the client audit in Q3. Must-haves: 3+ years sterile QA, Annex 1 (2023) CCS understanding, deviation ownership, fluent English. Dutch not required. €55–68k plus 8 % holiday allowance, pension, 30 % ruling support. Two interviews and a 45-minute technical conversation; decision within three weeks."

The second one is longer, specific, and will be read to the end by the people you want. It is also, not coincidentally, how every vacancy on this site is written.