How to Write a Job Description

Job descriptions play a vital role in the recruitment process; they make it easier to attract talented and well qualified candidates. A good description clearly outlines various aspects, including key areas of responsibility, the requirements, qualifications and term of employment. This helps candidates evaluate the nature of the position and ranking order within the company. To understand how write a job description, it is important to avoid any exaggeration and to ensure that it does not contain any gender or age implications. Composing a description that stands out allows recruiters to compete favorably with other companies, particularly when seeking highly specialized talent. The write-up should not be vague or too descriptive. Recruiters need to use clear language that outlines the culture of the company. Bulleted lists make it easier for candidates to skim through various sections and identify key points. A vague outline may not inspire interest since it makes it difficult for prospective applicants to imagine themselves in the listed role. The writing style must embody the company's ethos. The job title needs to accurately define the work involved; it should also reflect the organization's culture and industry standards. A brief summary of the listed role provides a succinct overview of the main responsibilities. In the skills and qualifications section, it is crucial to list all mandatory qualifications in addition to supplementary or preferred credentials. Also list the required years of experience, technical proficiency and certifications.

The responsibilities section outlines essential functions associated with the listed position. Clearly spelling out the major tasks allows candidates to how much they will be performing certain roles (the duties are best represented as a percentage - filing 35 percent, data entry 65 percent). The company overview should provide sufficient details about the organization's goals, mission, brief history and industry. Location details are a vital component of any job description and they should be accompanied by information surrounding any travel associated with the position. The type of employment section is aimed at informing candidates about whether the position is part-time or full-time. Internships should indicate whether the position is unpaid or paid. The benefits and salary range is optional and can include a wide range of benefits, including vacations, 401(k), dental or medical insurance. Omitting the recruiter information section undercuts the purpose of the job posting. It is common for recruiters to forget including this vital information.

Human resources experts recommend avoiding the tendency to rely on the position's history to compile a good description. Recruiters should focus on the position's current needs as as well as long-term objectives. The outline should reflect some of the company's ongoing priorities. The tasks listed must combine into achievable responsibilities. This makes it easier to attract the right candidates. A job description is considered a legal document, hence the need to eliminate any reference to nationality, religion, disability, age, race or gender. The inclusion of working relationships and reporting lines in the description is a crucial aspect that helps ensure clarity. This allows candidates to gain much-need insight into the company's hierarchical structure and plays a key role when it comes to compliance issues. Describing the working relationships is aimed at ensuring that candidates understand the nature and size of departments in addition to levels of interaction. Incorporating a organizational chart is a practical way to outline relationships and reporting lines. The best way to indicate the applicable salary is to include a remuneration range as opposed to the precise amount. This allows for variations based on experience and education. A well-written job description can be used as a vital reference when disciplinary issues or disputes arise. Employers can use the description to measure performance over time.