Job Descriptions Basics

Learn what information an effective business job description should include
By Michelle Cramer Clear and concise job descriptions help keep your business on track. You can use them to attract potential employees or give current employees a better understanding of the duties maintained in their positions with your company. You can also use job descriptions as a reference point when evaluating an employee’s performance.

However, in order for a job description to serve its purpose successfully, you must author something that covers all necessary points. When writing a job description, include the following:

1. Be sure that you always list job descriptions basics such as the job title, salary and necessary qualifications.

2. Career descriptions should always include detailed expectations for someone holding that position.

3. Provide contact information when posting employment descriptions for job openings.

Include basic information when writing job descriptions

Job descriptions should always include information on the job title, starting salary, education requirements and experience criteria. While this is most crucial when posting job openings in newspaper ads or online searches, it doesn't hurt to maintain this information in your employee handbook, too, as a point of reference.
Try:  Business Know-How provides a brief overview on how to write a job description, as well as a samples. Download various sample job descriptions from hrVillage.com in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF formats.

Outline position responsibilities in career descriptions

Equally as important as education, experience and salary is the information detailing the duties of the person holding that particular position. For example, a job description for a receptionist would list responsibilities such as answering telephones in a polite and courteous manner, filing documents and greeting guests as they enter the building. The more details you can provide, the better results you will have from potential job candidates and current employees. The goal is to make everyone know exactly what you expect of them.
Try:  Job Results Management Institute has a searchable database of job description samples. Purchase a job description package from Absolute HR Solutions that includes samples written by HR professionals and reviewed by legal experts for federal guideline compliance.

Supply contact information when posting job descriptions online

If you're using the job description as a means of advertising a job opening, be sure to include information on how to apply for that job. Options can include sending a resume to a particular address provided, emailing a resume and cover letter to the HR department, or calling the place of business to schedule an interview.
Try:  Post your job descriptions on an online database such as Careerbuilder.com. To locate various newspapers in your area to place job advertisements, start by selecting your state on News Voyager.

• Other information to consider including in job descriptions may be how much supervision someone holding that position would have, the chain of command if there are questions or problems, and ways to gain promotions or raises.