Thinking of my last job description, I believed the bullets summarized essential functions of the role, and required expertise that would be needed to perform said functions. They were more broad is concept, allowing for some ambiguity in tasks. I believe this is ok though, because a job description should be concise in nature, allowing for flexibility to occur on the job of assigned duties and tasks. I would say all of my jobs have given enough tasks and duties for me to get a general understanding of what my day to day could look like, which is most helpful when I am researching jobs I would be interested in doing. To be more clear, it never specifically aligns perfectly with the duties I have done. I find a bullet at the end to be common of “other duties assigned by supervisor”. This allows for that variability to occur, as business landscapes and roles change often, making this a necessary component. In reference to the influence piece, I think a more clear and detailed outline of job duties more inclines me to apply for a job. This is because I can visualize myself there, and start to mentally plan how I could drive success metrics in the role, adding value and fulfillment to myself and the company. I have attached my recent jobs bulleted essential functions below.
- Begin every day at the office preparing and planning your day as well as attending training/team meetings
- Conduct outbound calling to set face-to-face appointments with clients
- Learn and demonstrate the benefits of all of ‘company’ products, services, and solutions to your clients
- Develop and present proposals tailored to each individual client’s specific needs
- Ensure outstanding customer service through regular client follow up
- Seek out new customers and partner with existing ones every day
- Identify and establish relationships with key decision-makers to secure new business
- You will be given the task of field prospecting face to face and virtually every day
One reply on “Week 3 – Blog Post: Job Descriptions ”
Hi Grant,
I really appreciated your perspective on the flexibility built into job descriptions. I agree that while it’s helpful to have a clear picture of a role, there’s also value in keeping the language broad enough to allow for the reality of changing business needs. That “other duties as assigned” line is something I’ve seen in almost every job I’ve held, and like you mentioned, it helps cover the inevitable day-to-day unpredictability.
I also thought your point about visualization was spot-on. A well-written job description not only helps us understand responsibilities but also allows us to picture ourselves in the role — which can be a huge motivator during the application process. Your description of mentally planning how to drive success in a role shows a strategic mindset that I think a lot of employers look for.
Your bulleted list of responsibilities definitely illustrates the importance of communication and self-motivation in your previous role. I imagine being able to adapt daily while still meeting performance goals required strong organizational skills. Overall, great reflection!