Writing a job description is not a core competency most hiring managers possess. Typically job descriptions are created with little forethought and as quickly as possible. Understandable, given today’s fast-paced work environment, but the consequences are painful.
Poorly-written job descriptions prolong recruiting. Worse, they
- wreak havoc internally
- “turn off” the most desirable candidates
- make it nearly impossible to measure which applicants are most qualified
Conversely…good job descriptions
- attract the type of applicants you’d like to hire
- allow applicants to self-select for the position and the company
- enable everyone on the interview panel to quickly reach consensus about the suitability of each resume reviewed and each applicant interviewed.
Fortunately, composing good job descriptions is not rocket science! It simply requires apt attention to the basics, while applying some political savvy to get all your ducks in a row. As Steve Jobs noted, “The secret of my success is that we have gone to exceptional lengths to hire the best people in the world.” Do it right and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts long after your successful hire!
Basic Job Description Elements:
A job description is comprised of these 6 basic elements: Job Title, Company Overview and Location, General Description (responsibilities and duties), Qualifications, Salary Range and Benefits, and How to Apply.
1. Job Title – use specific real-life keywords like “Vice President of Information Technology”, “Director of Engineering”, “Quality Assurance Manager” or “Human Resources Director”.
*Tip: Make the job title Google-ably clear – avoid using eccentric keywords like “Ninja”, “Superstar” or “Guru”. Job seekers are not likely to use those words in their search.
2. Company Overview & Location include:
- What your company does
- How long you’ve been in business
- Status – public or private
- Size/maturity – start-up or well established organization
- What you’re known for (company positioning, mission, values)
*Tip: If not addressed in the previous 5 bullet points – clarify why the very best candidates would want to work for your company.
Location includes:
- City and state (and country if, appropriate).
- Note if role is at company headquarters, a division or overseas office.
*Tip: Be sure to highlight benefits such as easy commute, close access to public transportation, or work from home policies.
3. General Description, Responsibilities & Duties
General Description lays out the essential or core functions of the job, and the skills and tasks that make up the essence of the actual duties.
Describe key actual tasks this employee will do and their frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, annually). Focus on the functions that must be performed. Note supervisory responsibilities and direct reports, if any.
*Tip: List in 10 or less bullet-points, each beginning with an action word.
4. Qualifications – Essential Skills, Education and Experience
List the essential skills needed to perform the job (identify “required” vs. “desirable”) and years of experience for each.
*Tip: For technical, engineering and IT positions, succinctly and logically group skills sets. Such as – Tools, Programming Languages, Platforms, Operating Systems, Development Environments/Methodologies.
Education & Experience:
Note required levels for education and over-all years of experience.
5. Salary Range & Benefits
Jobs revealing salary range enjoy a 40% higher job board click rate; to avoid any “gotchas” make sure to specify whether the job is full time or not. Position benefits as “competitive” highlighting attractive special benefits, if any. For examples of unusual but attractive benefits, check out Crazy Superstar Snagging Perk: Unlimited Vacation.
*Tip: When setting salary, keep in mind the Chinese proverb, “If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.”
6. How to Apply
Make it easy for job candidates to apply. Include a button or link to your Careers Page, Applicant Tracking System (ATS) or email contact.
*Tip: To ensure that you capture job seekers looking for jobs on their smart phone, streamline your application process and make it mobile-friendly.
Wait! Super-Special Tip! Important – Before you post….
Beyond the job description basics, INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE do this:
Before you post your job description to the company site or public job boards, gain consensus/sign off on the job description from everyone on the interview panel. Getting this agreement is crucial and will save you all time in the long run.
Special Overlooked Bonus:
Well-written job descriptions also provide an excellent tool for measuring performance after a candidate is on-board.
There you go! Everything you need for creating the brilliant job description your company needs for attracting ideal employees. Still not ready? Contact Dorigan & Associates for more assistance.
Need superstar attracting job descriptions?
Connie Dorigan, Founder and Director of Recruiting, sees the food processing industry as the link between good living and good people. She’s the west coast’s most experienced and trusted food processing recruiter. She also provides Executive and Career Coaching and lots of free job search tools. Once you’ve connected with Connie, you’ll always be connected.
© 2018 Connie Dorigan. All rights reserved.
This is a general interest article and does not constitute specific or legal advice.
