Writing an effective music or arts vacancy

1. Use a clear, recognisable job title

Candidates search for titles they know. Use the title people in the sector would type, such as “Head of Music” or “Choir Director”, and avoid internal grades or jargon.

If the title is unusual, add a short clarifier: “Learning Producer (Schools & Communities)”.

2. Open with why the role matters

In two or three sentences, say what the organisation does, what the role is for and what difference it makes. This is often the only part a busy candidate reads before deciding to continue.

3. Be honest about pay and terms

State the salary or fee, or a range. Adverts with pay shown attract more, and more suitable, applicants, and signal fairness.

Give the contract type, hours or FTE, and the working pattern: on-site, hybrid or remote. For freelance work, say how and when fees are paid.

4. Separate responsibilities from requirements

• List the main responsibilities in five to eight plain bullets.
• Split requirements into essential and desirable, and keep the essential list short.
• Ask for experience and ability, not specific qualifications, unless a qualification is genuinely required (for example QTS or a safeguarding certificate).

5. Write inclusively

• Use “you” and “we”, and avoid gendered or coded language.
• Say which adjustments are available during recruitment and in the role.
• Remember that musical excellence can come from many routes, not only conservatoire training.

6. Make applying easy

Give one clear application route, a firm closing date and time, and interview dates if known. Name a contact for informal questions.

Mention safeguarding checks, right-to-work requirements or auditions up front so candidates are not surprised later.

Quick checklist

• Recognisable title
• Location and working pattern
• Pay or fee
• Closing date
• Short, honest summary
• Essential versus desirable criteria
• One working application link