Writing Good Job Descriptions | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

Writing a compelling job description can make the difference between attracting a superstar and a not-so-super candidate. You do not have to be an experienced recruiter to write a job description that gets noticed. A terrific job description lets candidates know what will be expected of her from the outset helping to ensure a smooth transition once hired. A well-written job description can also help you be sure you are complying with necessary employment laws. By following a few simple steps, you can create a compelling and compliant job description in a matter of minutes. There are eight typical components of a job description:

Company name, title of the position and department
Location
Reporting structure (to whom will the person report)
Overall responsibility (include if there is managerial responsibility)
Key areas of responsibility/accountability
Terms of employment (part-time, full-time or contract )
Qualifications (necessary skills, education, and experience)
Requirements (necessary components for the job such as the ability to lift heavy objects or travel a certain percentage of time)

Here are effective resources for developing job descriptions for small and growing businesses as well as startups:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase low-cost job description generation software

Job description generation software can be an economical way to create focused and legally compliant descriptions. Generate one or one hundred job descriptions in a matter of minutes.

I recommend: With sample job description encyclopedias, CD-ROMs and downloadable solutions available for purchase, BLR offers multiple resources depending upon your needs and budget.Another software stand-out is Descriptions Now, which offers a turn-key solution that includes the proper legal disclaimers, as well as an interface to post your positions to popular online job boards.

Use free do-it-yourself Web tools to create job descriptions

A handful of Web sites offer job description writing resources that can get you started at no cost.

I recommend: If you want to be guided step-by-step through the process, CareerInfoNet offers a robust wizard that helps you identify skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities and work context to include in your job description. The easy-to-use wizard then outputs your description in your choice of Microsoft Word, HTML or XML. Inc.com offers a simple template that is customizable for almost any position.

Search online job boards

Popular Web sites for job seekers contain millions of actual job descriptions that are searchable free of charge. You can search for job postings in your industry and read other companies' job descriptions to get a sense of what to include and how to write a job description that gets noticed.

I recommend: Monster.com , Hotjobs.com and CareerBuilder.com are excellent resources to get you started. If technology positions are your need, try Dice.com.

Hire an employment lawyer or HR consultant

If you want expert advice to help you craft your job descriptions, you can hire an attorney or consultant who knows the ropes.

I recommend: Find an employment lawyer in your area quickly and easily using Lawyers.com's free attorney locator tool.The Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) lists consultants nationally that provide expertise on staffing, as well as other human resource topics.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Instead of detailing tasks, keep your job descriptions focused on responsibilities and what you would like the individual to accomplish in this position.
Be specific with your job requirements. It will save you time during the screening process and will keep your focus on qualified candidates.
Any reference to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or nationality, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation in your job description is illegal, so avoid them!
Be sure you are clear regarding the physical requirements of the position. If it requires heavy lifting, you will want to be sure to document that in the description for legal reasons.
Be careful you understand the different requirements for exempt and non-exempt employees — non-exempt positions are eligible for overtime pay as stipulated by the U.S. Department of Labor regulations.
You can always have an employment law attorney review your description to be sure it is legally compliant.
Compare your description to positions posted on the Internet for similar companies. Is your description competitive?