How To Write a Job Description

A Job Description provides applicants and ultimately employees with a clear description of what is expected of them in a particular role.

How to Write a Job Description

It goes without saying that the success of a company relies on the success of its employees and their performance. Many employers find it difficult to maximise employee performance while keeping turnover low and employee morale high. Sound familiar? This may be due to the lack of a job description that clearly defines the role of your employee.

Importance of a Job Description

All employees like to know what is expected of them and how they will be evaluated. Job descriptions can also be a great value to employers. Creating a job description often results in a thought process that helps determine how critical the job is, how this particular job relates to others and identify the characteristics needed by a new employee filling the role.

A job description typically outlines the necessary skills, training and education needed by a potential employee. It will spell out duties and responsibilities of the job. Once a job description is prepared, it can serve a basis for interviewing candidates, orienting a new employee and finally in the evaluation of job performance. Using job descriptions is part of good management.

The elements of a Job Description

Before understanding what a job description entails, it’s important to understand fully the technical definition of a job. A job is a collection of tasks, duties, or responsibilities assigned to an individual. A job exists regardless of who performs the functions. Even when no one occupies the job, it still exists.

A job description simply describes the job. It should not have language or technical jargon that is difficult to understand. Every job description should include the following.

  • The job title.
  • The location of the job.
  • A position summary describing the purpose of the job.
  • Major responsibilities, describing the job as it currently exists and including the essential duties of the job. These are tasks for which the employee is evaluated. (Job descriptors outline only a small portion of the responsibilities for which the employee is evaluated.)
  • Job qualifications, describing the minimum education, experience, and skills necessary to perform the job.

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