HR Glossary

Job Description

What is a Job Description?

A job description is a document that outlines the essential functions, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular job. It can help employees understand their roles and responsibilities, and it can also help managers and supervisors assess the skills and experience of potential employees. Job descriptions are typically created for positions that are new to the organization, or for positions that have been vacant for an extended period of time.

How do you write a Job Description?

A job description is a document that outlines the essential job duties and responsibilities of a position. It can be used to help attract qualified candidates and assess their fit for the role. A job description should be clear and concise, and it should accurately reflect the role and the expectations of the person who will fill it. It’s important to tailor the job description to the specific position and to the company’s culture.

When writing a job description, start by outlining the key responsibilities and tasks of the position. Then, list the qualifications and experience that are required. Be sure to describe the ideal candidate in terms of personality, skills, and experience. Finally, outline the company’s expectations for the role and the benefits and perks that are offered.

How often do you update Job Descriptions?

Job descriptions should be updated regularly, as job duties and responsibilities change. Additionally, job descriptions should be updated when there are changes in the organization’s structure, or when there are changes in the law that impact the job. Generally, job descriptions should be updated at least once a year. However, if there are changes in the job that are more frequent (e.g. every quarter), then the job description should be updated more frequently.

What sort of information should you include in Job Descriptions?

A job description should include the title of the position, a general description of the responsibilities of the position, the qualifications necessary to perform the position, and the wage or salary range for the position. The job description should also list the contact information for the person responsible for filling the position.

Do Job Description differ from Job Specifications?

Job descriptions and job specifications are both important tools used by human resources professionals when hiring new employees. Job descriptions are a general overview of the job, while job specifications list the specific duties and skills required for the position. However, the two tools are not always used in conjunction with each other. Some organizations use job descriptions as a way to screen potential candidates, and then create a job specification for the finalists. Others use job specifications to create a job description. The important thing is that both job descriptions and job specifications are accurate and up to date, so that potential employees know what is expected of them, and the organization can find the best fit for the position.

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