Hiring Guides
How to Write a Job Post That Gets Great Offers
By TaskForce · · 2 min read
Seven small changes that turn a vague request into a brief contractors can price accurately and respond to quickly.
Contractors decide in seconds whether a job is worth their time. A clear post gets more offers, more accurate prices and fewer back-and-forth questions. Here is what makes the difference.
1. Choose the most specific service
TaskForce jobs are identified by a category and a service, not a free-text title. Choose the closest match: Plumber rather than Handyman if it is a leaking pipe, Graphic Designer rather than Digital Marketing if you need a logo. Providers filter by service, so a precise choice puts your job in front of the right people.
2. Say what done looks like
You have up to 1,000 characters. Use them to describe the outcome, not just the task. Compare "Need painting" with "Repaint two bedrooms, about 12 x 14 ft each, walls only, white emulsion. Furniture will be moved out. Prefer finishing within two days." The second one can be priced without a site visit.
3. Include the details contractors always ask about
- Size or quantity (rooms, pages, devices, guests).
- Who supplies materials, tools or software.
- Access, timing or parking constraints for onsite work.
- File formats, platforms or brand guidelines for creative and digital work.
4. Set a realistic budget
Budgets on TaskForce range from LKR 1,000 to LKR 200,000. A budget well below the going rate does not get you a discount, it gets you silence. If you are unsure, browse similar jobs on the services page to see what others are offering. Remember that a service fee applies when you accept an offer (it is shown before you pay), so leave yourself a little headroom.
5. Add photos
You can attach up to four images. For repairs, gardening, cleaning and renovation work, a few clear photos can replace a page of description and let a contractor quote confidently.
6. Pick a deadline that matches the work
Your job stays live until the end of the deadline day in Sri Lanka time. Most people set a deadline of about a week. If you need it done urgently, say so in the description, but give contractors enough time to respond. Deadlines can be up to 180 days ahead.
7. Respond quickly to offers
Good contractors are busy. If an offer looks promising, reply in the chat or accept it. If the price is slightly off, request a revision rather than letting the offer lapse. And if your job expires untaken, you can renew it with a fresh deadline instead of starting from scratch.
Frequently asked questions
How long should my job description be?
As long as it needs to be to describe the outcome, up to the 1,000 character limit. Two or three focused paragraphs is usually plenty.
How many photos can I add?
Up to four images per job.
Can I change my deadline later?
Yes. You can extend the deadline of a live job and keep its offers. If the job has already expired, renew it instead.