Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds the batch behavior (multiple jobs at once) but doesn't disclose what 'board publication states' includes (e.g., which boards, what statuses) or whether partial failures occur for invalid job IDs. With annotations covering safety, a 3 is appropriate.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

A single sentence that is front-loaded with the verb and resource, and includes the key batch qualifier. Zero wasted words; every element earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple read-only batch tool with one fully documented parameter and safety annotations, the description is mostly sufficient. However, it doesn't clarify what 'board publication states' means (e.g., which boards, what statuses are returned), and there is no output schema to fill that gap. An agent might not know what to expect in the response.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%: the only parameter 'jobs' is described as 'Job ids' with a number array type. The description adds the semantic that these are used to fetch board publication states, but doesn't add detail beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is correct.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description states a specific verb ('Get'), resource ('board publication states'), and scope ('for several jobs at once'), which clearly distinguishes it from single-job variants like hires_get_job or hires_publish_to_job_board. It doesn't explicitly name a sibling alternative, but the batch scope is clear enough to differentiate it from related board tools.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies when to use it: when you need board publication states for multiple jobs in one call. It doesn't explicitly state when not to use it or name alternatives like hires_list_job_boards or hires_get_job, but the batch phrasing provides adequate context for an agent to select it over single-job tools.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.