Job descriptions are an essential part of hiring and managing your employees. These written summaries ensure your applicants and employees understand their roles and what they need to do to be held accountable.

Job descriptions also:

• Help attract the right job candidates
• Describe the major areas of an employee’s job or position
• Serve as a major basis for outlining performance expectations, job training, job evaluation and career advancement
• Provide a reference point for compensation decisions and unfair hiring practices

Overview

A job description should be practical, clear and accurate to effectively define your needs. Good job descriptions typically begin with a careful analysis of the important facts about a job such as:

• Individual tasks involved
• The methods used to complete the tasks
• The purpose and responsibilities of the job
• The relationship of the job to other jobs
• Qualifications needed for the job