Job descriptions are an essential part of a job before any work actually begins because you have to be able to get all information of the job across so future workers know what to expect if hired. These descriptions typically include the job identification, including the title, department, and what position you will be reporting to, a summary of why the job exists, tasks that you’re expected to work with, competencies, any physical demands for the job, and the working conditions of the job. Every human resources department does there job description differently, and many times, there are plenty of flaws in them.
I have seen some flaws in job descriptions and the tasks listed that don’t exactly match up with what tasks are done if hired on. In my previous internship, there were a few tasks listed that I actually never got to experience. The main reason behind it was because it all depended on my project and my team, along with the phase that my project was in. I didn’t get to experience any estimating or the bidding process during my internship, which was listed in the job description of tasks I would be working with, but it was because that only occurs during preconstruction but my project was past that phase already. I had also seen an internship description listing the hours, stating it would be 40 hours a week, working 7am-4pm. However, when I interviewed for the job, I was told that I would be working 10-12 hour shifts, potentially working overnight as well. I was a bit surprised when I was told that because it was super unexpected but was something that was definitely missing in the description.
Many challenges do exist when developing and maintaining job descriptions and it can be difficult sometimes. I do think one of the best ways to maintain the description is to ask someone who currently works in the role of the job being posted and have them assist in listing job tasks and work demands that will match up with exactly what will be expected.
Works Cited:
Swift, M. MGMT 451 – Week 4, Lecture 1: Job Analysis (Powerpoint Slides)
Swift, M. MGMT 451 – Week 4, Lecture 2: Job Design (Powerpoint Slides)
“The Top 5 Flaws of Job Descriptions.” Workopolis Hiring, 20 Mar. 2017, hiring.workopolis.com/article/3353-the-top-5-flaws-of-job-descriptions.