Job Description: Definition, tips, and format
We’ve all read job descriptions in search of the perfect job, but many of them leave us with more unanswered questions. With over 25 million job postings on job boards such as Indeed, the framework and information of the job position description are more integral than before.
Job descriptions are core ingredients of the hiring process. A well-prepared job description must encourage skilled applicants, notify them about the organization and the position for which they are applying, and establish standards for the worker’s initial year. Compiling an efficient and precise job description takes time, but knowing how to do so is valuable. In this blog entry, we’ll discuss how to draft a solid job description that communicates to applicants what you’re seeking in a candidate.
What is a job description
A job description is a documented narrative that describes an open role’s tasks and obligations. When the appropriate information is included, it assists job candidates in determining whether their experience and competencies match the position. Job descriptions assist recruiting teams in receiving candidates who carefully suit the company’s objectives. In essence, it aids an HR department or external recruiters in streamlining the job recruitment process. Here are a few of the best aspects and applications of a job description;
- Gives job objectives and specifications to workers
- Assists applicants in determining their suitability for the position
- During the applicant screening process, assists the hiring team
- Aids in the creation of interview questions
- Applicants gain a better understanding of their position within the organization
- Facilitates the formation of a legally binding job agreement
- Constructs targets for new workers
- Supports the review of a worker’s job efficiency
- Serves in the advancement of training and progression plans
Guidelines for writing effective job descriptions
If you work in management or human resources, you should understand how to write a detailed job description for an open job position at your organization. To compose an efficient job description, follow these guidelines;
Use simple language
Create a simple and direct job description. Employ terms and phrases that applicants can comprehend rather than slang and unclear phrases. Check your job descriptions for comprehension and conciseness before posting them online.
Keep a positive attitude
Job descriptions can indicate the organization’s culture. As a result, maintaining a positive attitude all across the job description. Though professionalism is essential, employ responsive and cordial language to make all applicant’s experiences welcome enough to apply.
Write brief and detailed job responsibilities
Give applicants an understanding of what they will be doing daily in this role. Job duties should be brief and precise for them to grasp the position. Rather than mentioning the applicant must maintain the marketing team, say they must handle social media profiles, handle the corporation’s online marketing accounts, and assess participation across all social media platforms.
Choose a simple format
Create job descriptions that are transparent, appealing, and easily readable. Rather than composing job responsibilities in paragraph format, construct bullet points that are easy to scroll. Generate well-structured segments throughout the document. Remember that applicants may access your job description via computer or tablet. Check that it can be read on all machines.
Increase the exposure of the role
Provide explanations for potential applicants to apply for the position. Basically, you want to give them a purpose to consider leaving their existing employer or prefer your organization over another. Take into account highlighting the rewards and privileges they will obtain if they are hired. For instance, this can involve;
- Free meals
- Work-from-home days
- Free computer
- Training and development programs
Promote the organization
It’s also essential to display to applicants why they should operate for your business. Define your corporate culture and acknowledge such recommendations and reviews from employees. You can also entail official photos and any group activities you’ve participated in. When blended with the job’s perks, successfully marketing the firm could attract applicants to apply.
Set reasonable standards
Involve whatever is necessary of applicants. Determine the necessary skills and expertise and involve only that details in the job role. As you can provide the credentials of your favored applicant, ensure what you’re requesting is still appropriate given the role and job level.
Concentrate on expansion and advancement
Describe how the role adds to the corporation’s targets and priorities when writing a job description. It allows them to view the distinction they can consider once hired. Besides, illustrate any prospects for progress and how their achievement in the position will add value to the firm’s overall development.
Incorporate a sense of top priority
If you do require to enter a role rapidly or not, create a feeling of priority in your job description that encourages applicants to apply. Instead of a basic organization email address, write particular start dates and contact details for a business employee. Specific contact details can also help to simplify the process.
Examine your job description
Review the job description and rectify any wording, grammar, or punctuation mistakes before publishing it. Search for aspects to simplify your language and think about how to best describe the role to potential applicants. You can ask the direct manager to review it to ensure consistency.
Utilize unique job titles
For your job descriptions, utilize expert and concise job positions, and promote for the actual job you’re seeking. For instance, If you wish to recruit a call center operator, specify that job description rather than promoting a digital marketer or a social media manager. It provides potential candidates with an improved awareness of the position.
What is the format of a job description
A job description format is a framework, pattern, and configuration of a file describing a job vacancy at a corporation. It is recyclable, much like a template, and can be adjusted to several distinct job positions. A great job format would involve information like;
- Job title
- Job role specifications
- Required schooling and job experience
- Responsibilities and Duties
- Requisite skills and qualification
- Salary scale
- An organizational culture that a new hire can anticipate
A job description’s purpose is to articulate a business’s open position, the business’s aspirations for that role, and how the corporation performs on a social and cultural standard. Businesses may struggle to discover the proper individual for a precise job without an efficient job description.