Job Analysis

Here are some key points and ideas about exercises we could do in class. PLease contact me if you have any questions. I think we could have the speaker and do the mock interview I suggested toward the end of this e-mail. Shana Cohn CLASS DESIGN Important points, class discussion questions and activities. Part I Job Analysis defined: Identifying lists of activities or tasks associated with the job. Determining the skills needed to perform the job successfully. A well-designed job analysis can help to create a work environment where expectations are clear and future problems can be alleviated through communication. Some detailed benefits of job analysis include: 1. It provides uniform guidelines for dealing with employment selection, compensation, performance standards, and the skills needed for any given position. 2. It lays a foundation for gaining a competitive advantage by identifying training needs for the incumbent employee or an employee entering into the organization. 3. A successful job analysis draws clear boundaries between the employer and employee regarding qualifications, job responsibilities, lines of authority, and ways of preventing or dealing with grievances. 4. It allows employers to hire qualified candidates by linking applicants' skills to the job analysis. Employers can also prove that their requirements for selection are related to the job. The ADA defines a qualified applicant as "one who can perform the essential functions of the job." A job analysis provides the employer with justification of why they chose a particular applicant. Other areas to note: 1. The most common reason for a job analysis is to gather information for job descriptions. The job description should focus on results and outcomes instead of how to accomplish the job, because each person attains results in a different fashion. 2. Preparation for the future is key to dealing with a changing workplace. The job analysis should integrate issues the organization may confront in the future, such as turnover and technology advances that could change its structure. 3. Forecasting HR needs is critical to the success of the organization. These should be assessed with past trends, evaluating the skills of incumbent positions, and being aware of changing skills and requirements. Some questions/activities regarding job analysis: A class activity would be a case study that involves a new person hired into an organization where a job analysis is not utilized. The following questions serve as a guideline for the types of issues that could arise without a clear job analysis.