Having an accurate job description that is constantly up to date is one of the most overlooked things that is simultaneously very important within Human Resources. As Kathryn Tyler writes, job descriptions work as the “foundation of nearly every HR function.” This influences recruitment, management, compensation, etc. (Tyler, 2023). Although it is an important aspect in HR, many firms allow job descriptions to be outdated or disconnected from the reality of the work being done.
In my experience, it is a challenge to create a description for something you do not have direct experience with. That is why job descriptions can be a challenge to describe in realistic detail, which entails the roles of a job. One of the most useful tactics that can help HR managers write a more quality job description is gathering data from current workers in the organization. This can be done through interviews or surveys that encapsulate the actual role and its duties that follow. Taking this approach helps make sure the description reflects the real demands of the role instead of a version that is coming from someone who may not know what it’s actually like. Creating and maintaining job descriptions should involve employees, managers, and HR. Each person has a role, often with overlapping responsibilities (Tyler, 2023).
It is important for firms to understand that when hiring, you want to be intentional with newcomers. Effective recruiting is a long-term strategic process rather than a reactive response to labor market conditions (Fernández-Aráoz, Groysberg, & Nohria, 2009). By conducting good hiring assessments on your talent and keeping consistent hiring practices regardless of the economic state of the world, they explain that corporate recruiting directly impacts longevity and work performance.
Fernández-Aráoz, C., Groysberg, B., & Nohria, N. (2009, May). The definitive guide to recruiting in good times and bad. Harvard Business Review.
Tyler, K. (2023, December 21). Job worth doing: Update descriptions. Welcome to SHRM. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/hr-magazine/job-worth-update-descriptions