Having a detailed job description is vital in streamlining suitable candidates for your open position. The potential applicants will use it to see if they are the right fit for the open position. HR managers and recruiters should also include job specifications in a job post. It should be part of the job description if you want to find the exact match for your open position. 

A Complete Guide to Job Descriptions

In this job description guide, you will learn why job descriptions and job specifications are beneficial when posting an open position. Although most individuals mistake the two to mean the same thing, it is essential to differentiate job description from job specification for efficient and successful hiring procedure. Not only will the applicants know what to expect if hired, but it will make your selection process a lot easier.

The Importance of Having Written Job Descriptions

Every job a business offers is unique and so, there is need to have a clear description for every task an employee will be undertaking right from the start. Before the interviews are conducted, employers need to have a written job description for every vacancy they want to fill. But why are job descriptions important? There are so many advantages in having a written description, which include protection for the employees and the business in general. Employers can use written job descriptions as a foundation for developing interview questions. Job applicants who apply for advertised positions will definitely go through the provided job description to establish their eligibility to apply for those jobs. Through a detailed description of a particular job, interviewers can find out exactly how qualified, ready and willing the job applicant is to take up the job they are interviewed for. This makes the selection process easier. Another purpose of job descriptions is to provide details about a certain position, details which can be used in so many areas for instance in ‘help wanted’ ads. There is always confusion in workplaces where there are no clear descriptions for every available job. A lot of employees do less than they are required while others perform more tasks than their actual job requires. When advertising for an open vacancy, the detailed description can be used to send a message across to job applicants on the kind of employee the business is looking for. A detailed job description leaves no room for an employee to refuse to perform certain tasks that they believe are not within their mandate. Everything is clear where descriptions are and so, all tasks are performed without one employee feeling as if they are doing tasks that are not part of their jobs. Besides, there is no need for close supervision to ensure that all tasks are handled when everyone is aware what their job entails and what is expected of them. Do not forget that well-written job descriptions can serve as legal documents and can be used in case an employee files for termination or when they sue the company for discrimination. It is always good to ensure that employees have a copy of a detailed description of the job they are taking right after getting hired to avoid any misunderstandings that could result to lawsuits.

What to include in a job description

Every business needs to prepare detailed job descriptions for every job they have offered in their company. An effective description will provide details about the primary functions of that particular job, how the tasks should be carried out and all the required skills that are needed to perform well in that job. To do this, it will need:

• The job title
• The salary range
• Statement of purpose and objective
• Job description
• Detailed description of the reporting structure
• The skills and experience
• Complete description of the ideal candidate

Work Location and job schedule. This should include any potential overtime that may be needed to perform better on the job.