How to Write a Good Job Description for a Tradesperson

Use a specific, factual title

Name the task and affected area in ordinary language, such as ‘Replace damaged garden fence panels’ or ‘Investigate boiler losing pressure’. Avoid titles such as ‘Help needed’ that give no useful context.

If you do not know the cause, describe the symptom. A qualified business can decide what investigation is needed rather than working from an unverified diagnosis.

Include the core job details

Say which details are approximate. Clear uncertainty is more useful than presenting a guess as fact.

• What you want repaired, installed, removed or investigated.
• The room, floor, outdoor area or building affected.
• Approximate dimensions or quantities where you can measure safely.
• When the problem started and whether it is changing.
• Previous repairs, known materials or model numbers that may matter.
• Your preferred timing and any genuinely fixed deadline.

Explain access and property constraints

Do not put a full private address, alarm details or other unnecessary personal information in public text. NorfolkTrades displays only the public town and postcode district for a job.

• Parking, narrow access, stairs or restricted working hours.
• Whether the property will be occupied during the work.
• Known isolation points, shared supplies or leasehold restrictions.
• Pets, vulnerable occupants or areas that must remain usable.
• Whether another person must approve access or changes.

Choose useful photographs

Provide a wide view for context and closer views of the affected area, but never put yourself at risk to take them.

• Use clear daylight where practical.
• Include an object or safe measurement for scale when useful.
• Photograph labels or model plates only when they contain no private data.
• Do not open gas appliances, electrical enclosures or disturb suspect materials for a photograph.

Review before posting

1. Remove personal or security information that is not needed publicly.
2. Separate facts from preferences and assumptions.
3. Check the selected trade is the best initial category.
4. State whether the work is planned, urgent or an immediate safety concern.
5. Keep emergency situations out of an ordinary job-posting workflow and contact the appropriate emergency service or responsible authority.

Official guidance: Citizens Advice.