Writing job descriptions can be daunting, especially if you do not know where to begin. When put together well, they can be a resourceful tool for your company.
A well written job description can help attract quality candidates which will ultimately help save you valuable time. They can also be used to help identify possible gaps in skillsets to determine a proper training plan or for the creation of employee goals and objectives to be used as a measurement tool during performance reviews. Having a clear and accurate reflection of what the current responsibilities are can give candidates insight into what their day-to-day will look like in the company.
Here are some clear and actionable steps to help get you started!
1. Involve colleagues
Start with the person who is currently fulfilling the responsibilities of the role! If you are starting with a blank canvas, they can list out each of their responsibilities and provide a general summary of what their job entails. If you are looking at updating the job description, they can review each responsibility and provide guidance on changes or additions. After meeting with them, talk to colleagues who interact with this person. Include those who depend on them and those this person reports to. These people can provide additional details on how this role fits into the company. Your colleagues can help supply important information for the role regarding locations, specific duties, and tools that the candidate will be using. All of which a candidate needs to know as they begin to picture what their day-to-day will look like.
2. Share company values You are looking to attract candidates that share the same values as those of your company’s mission and vision, correct? Include those in your job description! Adding these details to the job description will allow your ideal candidate to paint a more accurate picture of the kind of culture and work environment in which they will be working. Sharing your values draws in those that thrive in your environment, and saves time by weeding out those that may not.
3. Keep it up to date
To help you the next time you need to publish a new job description, keep an up-to-date record of the current positions within your company. Anytime there is a major change, ensure the job description evolves as the positions evolve. You may even want to reschedule semi-annual or annual job description updates. This will help save you time in the future should you need to back-fill a position quickly. Up-to-date job descriptions can also help you forecast future positions as your company continues to grow and evolve.
Feeling overwhelmed by writing job descriptions? Are there just too many things on your to do list and delegating this out would free up your time? Feel free to reach out and connect with one of our human resource and recruiting experts. Contact us at info@talentremedy.com or 703-362-0175 to set up a time to discuss how our team can support you.