This article is intended for HR professionals.
How to create the job description?
The job description must be used to make it clear to the employee what his or her duties, responsibilities and authority are. The job description must therefore be clear and understandable. In practice, a combination of a textual description together with a bulleted list of activities and processes is most often used. Organizations that have their processes described have an advantage because they build the job description from the individual processes.
- A verbal description of the job function is essential. Describe the job description verbally using a coherent text in which you list all its elements
- A structured job description in which you list activities, processes and responsibilities in bullet points
- You will use a catalog of processes and activities for a structured description
Principles for job description
The job description should make it clear what the person is expected to do - what activities, processes, or otherwise described outputs they are expected to complete. It may also include information about the frequency of the activity (how often) or broader information about the purpose or achievement of corporate objectives. The job description determines the salary level, and is the basis for career planning, performance reviews, setting training objectives, and also for recruitment. The job holder must be able to perform the job.
Tips for how to write good job descriptions
If you're in a management or human resources role, it's important to know how to write a comprehensive job description for an open position at your company. Use these tips to write an effective job description:
Use clear language
- Write a job description with clear and concise language.
- Instead of jargon and confusing phrases, use simple and direct words and phrases that candidates can understand.
- Review your job descriptions before publishing to ensure readability and clarity.
Maintain a positive tone
- Job descriptions can reflect a company and its culture.
- Therefore, maintain a positive tone throughout the job description.
- Though it's important to remain professional, use friendly and courteous language to help all candidates feel welcome enough to apply.
Write short and descriptive job duties
- Give candidates an idea of their day-to-day with this position
- Write short and straightforward job duties that help them understand the role
- Instead of vague language, be as specific as possible to allow for greater clarity
- For example, instead of stating that it's the candidate's responsibility to manage the marketing department, provide specificity by saying it's their responsibility to manage social media accounts, manage the company's digital marketing accounts and measure engagement to all social media channels.
Where to write a job description
As a HR professional, you see "Organization Settings" in your main menu. In it, select the "Job position" tab.
- Click on a specific position to select the position where you want to create a job description
- Select the "Job duties" tab
- Describe the job content either using text or using processes that you select from the process catalog
