The Importance Of Job Description

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Job descriptions are used to measure job performance and recruit for talent. It is a two-way communication that helps to ensure both the prospective employee and the employer understand roles and accountability. It also serves as an instrument to determine if an employee is qualified for the job being advertised and whether they can be effective from the moment they start the job (Ashe-Edmunds, n.d.). If properly written, a job description can avoid confusion and create accountability related to job tasks and the priorities of the organization. Grant (1997) states the job description as, the “blueprint of the design of a job” (para. 2). Its primary purpose, according to Grant, is the organizations ' expectations of the employee. Purdue …show more content…

The job description summary should contain 1 – 3 paragraphs and should summarize the main points of the job description. This might include responsibilities, functions and duties (University of Pittsburgh, n.d.). Knowing this helps to enhance productivity and avoids confusion. A good job description helps to not only understand the employee’s job responsibilities but other employees as well which further enhances and strengthens the team (Ashe-Edmunds, n.d.). Job duties serve as the foundation of the job description and “conveys the complexity, scope, and level of responsibility of a job” (University of Pittsburgh, p. 3). As indicated earlier, it is important that the information in the job duties section be accurate, concise and complete. Performance standards convey job expectations and outline the basis for job training and career advancement. Typically, this is created by the supervisor or managing official. It is the basis for measuring performance and will depict what is necessary for job success. The Job Factors section outline the work experience, education, knowledge and abilities required to do the job (Well-written job descriptions are worth the effort, n.d.)(University of Pittsburgh, n.d.). Other items for consideration related when creating a job description are salary range, job locality and equipment used in the performance of the job. If the company is part of a union, there might also be Collective Bargaining Agreements (Writing Effective Job Descriptions,

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