Job descriptions are arguably the most important part of any job listing. Jon descriptions help applicants understand the job, what is required of them and what they need to possess in order to be successful in that position. You could argue that well written job descriptions act as a hook for applicants and job-seekers.
Personally, I have found job descriptions of the jobs I’ve worked for to be extremely misleading. Typically, employers will inflate the value of the job, or word certain tasks and responsibilities in a manner that is deceptive. This is usually accompanied by a job title that is “professionalized” to make it seem more appealing to job-seekers. I fell in that trap more than once. While the job titles may have seemed inflated, and the job descriptions relatively inaccurate, I’ve never been displeased at anywhere I’ve worked. However, I do think that this tactic yields good results for the company, as they get more qualified candidates, and candidates feel that some of their own skills they perceive as inconsequential are worth more to their employer.
There are many reasons that job descriptions are necessary, but there are some challenges associated with them. I will discuss them below.
First, outdated and irrelevant job descriptions. One issue with job descriptions (and one that might have contributed to the issues I had run with), is that there is uncertainty around who owns the initiative to maintain the job descriptions and keep them updated (Kiernan). With changes in the labor market, employers need to stay on top of updating and refreshing their job descriptions to entice applicants and job seekers.
Second, lengthy and overcomplicated job descriptions. Another issue that plagues employers and job ads is lengthy and overcomplicated job descriptions. Job descriptions that are overly lengthy and filled with jargon can overwhelm candidates and discourage them from applying (Kiernan). An easy fix is for employers to organize the information within the job description with bullet points or evenly spaced paragraphs. There’s nothing worse than a job description with 20 sentences and no paragraph breaks.
Citation
Kiernan, Joshua. “6 Common Problems Companies Face with Job Descriptions.” Mosh JD® – Simplified Job Description Management, 17 Dec. 2024, www.moshjd.com/post/6-common-problems-companies-face-with-job-description-management/.