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Job search, time off and leaving

Alternatives to “can you send the job description?” at work

Why it can fall flat

“can you send the job description?”

Sent bare, it reads as an order with no thanks and no reason, so the other person may answer slowly or not at all. You just want the role details in writing to judge the fit, and a polite opener with a short reason makes that easy to grant.

Say this instead

  1. 01

    Thanks for reaching out. Could you send me the full job description when you get a chance? I'd like to read it properly before we speak.

    Recruiter / HR · Email

    Use this for a first contact with a recruiter, since it gives a reason and shows you want to prepare.

  2. 02

    Hi Kirsty, thanks for the call. Could you send the job description by email or text? I'd like to read it before we talk on Thursday.

    Recruiter / HR · SMS

    Try this after a phone call, when the recruiter already has your number and you want the details in writing.

  3. 03

    Thanks for the message, this sounds interesting. Is there a written job description you can share? I'd like to check the details before replying properly.

    Recruiter / HR · Chat

    Pick this for a LinkedIn-style message where you want to stay interested without committing.

  4. 04

    I saw the senior analyst role posted internally. Could you share the job description so I can see how it fits with where I'd like to go?

    Boss · Chat

    Choose this for an internal move, because it frames the request as career interest and not a hint that you are leaving.

  5. 05

    Hi Skyler, you mentioned your team is hiring. Would you be able to send me the job description? I'd like to see if my skills fit before I apply.

    Coworker · Chat

    Friendly and low pressure, this suits a colleague who mentioned an opening or offered to refer you.

  6. 06

    Before I draft the proposal, could you send the job description for the role you'd like us to help fill? It will help me match the right profiles.

    Client · Email

    This fits a client who wants hiring help, since you need the role details to do the work properly.

  7. 07

    Could you send me the job description you've drafted for the new hire? I'd like to review it before it goes live.

    Someone you manage · Chat

    Clear and direct with someone you manage, this one also says why you need the document.

Examples

Email

Hi Maria, Thanks for getting in touch about the operations coordinator role. Could you send me the full job description before our call on Friday? I'd like to read through the responsibilities and requirements so I can ask useful questions. Thanks again, Lewis

Chat

Hi Sidney, thanks for the intro to the hiring manager. Could you send me the job description when you have a moment? I'd like to tailor my CV before I apply.

What to avoid

  • Sending a bare one-line request with no greeting or thanks.
  • Check first whether the job description is already linked in the original posting or email before you ask for it.
  • Adding vague promises such as “I'm definitely interested” before you have read the details tends to backfire.
  • Demanding words like “I need this today” only fit when there is a real deadline you can explain.
  • All caps or several question marks make a simple request feel pushy.

Rewrite your message

Add a few words about your situation for a better result.

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