HR MANAGEMENT - How to write a good job description?

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Vichitra Robinson

Why do we need a job description?

Well a job description is the keystone that decides a job.

Job description is a clear way to demonstrate whom you are hiring, why you are hiring and what is expected from the applicant.

In a way, a good job description or snap shot ensures an effective hiring process by recruiting the right person with clear understanding for the job.

As a hiring manager, if you are unable to communicate what skills and experience you are looking for in an applicant in a job interview, then how an applicant can explain what he is capable of. So a job description is an effective communication tool between you and the applicant.

A good job description makes your search easier and effective by explaining what kind of person you are looking for and also helps you in determining the applicant’s ability and skills to accomplish the expected task.

A job description doesn’t mean that you need to write down every single task step by step that needs to be done but it is written just to explain the core task clearly.

A good job description must include the following;

Title: Create a title that reflects the work to be done. A job title should be clear enough to understand the responsibilities of the job.

Write down carefully what is expected from a job applicant. For e.g.; If there is a job for Customer care representative, the job description must explain clearly what all needs to be done by an applicant. Like attending calls, solving customer queries on phone, pleasing under rough circumstances etc.

Who reports whom? A job description should clearly explain whom the applicants should be reporting. It could be their supervisor, line manager or it could be multiple bosses.

Explain clearly the Job experience, skills and educational qualification required for the job offered.

A job description can be re-evaluated at the time of appraisals. It is also a good way to determine how your employees are performing; are they happy with job, are they performing well by meeting or exceeding the desired job description or performing low than the expected level.

A good job description doesn’t have to be very long rather it can be just a paragraph with clearly mentioned responsibilities.

Keep your job description simple and effective for obtaining valuable results.