Job descriptions can be the turning point in finding the next great employee for any position. During my freshman year at Oregon State, I applied for six on-campus jobs. I recall that many of the job descriptions and titles were relatively vague, and I found myself not fully informed on what I would be doing in these positions. To get a better understanding, I had to reach out or continue the application process. As I moved forward with two of these opportunities, I was able to learn more beyond what the job descriptions provided.
During my interview for my current job at Dixon Recreation Center, I asked some current employees about their responsibilities. I felt like their description of the job was vastly different from what was posted online. There is only so much you can convey in a job description, so how can employers craft these descriptions effectively to engage those who are qualified and needed in the position?
It’s crucial to prioritize updating job descriptions regularly. A position’s responsibilities and tasks may change year to year, and having accurate job descriptions can help avoid compliance issues. Well-drafted job descriptions can also ensure that the intended demographic of individuals is targeted. Including a list of required skills or experience in the job description helps potential candidates quickly assess if they are qualified. It’s essential that someone within the department being hired for is involved in crafting the job description, so they can confirm it aligns with their understanding of the role’s responsibilities.
One way companies could routinely update job descriptions is by having employees keep a log of projects and daily tasks. Employees could maintain a record of their responsibilities throughout the year or recall their duties during an end-of-year job analysis meeting. This would allow HR professionals to adjust job descriptions easily with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Work cited:https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/hr-magazine/job-worth-update-descriptions
