Job descriptions will make or break your recruitment strategy. When window shopping, do we stop to look at every item? No, we only stop to inquire about the ones that stand out! This is similar to a candidates job search and where they chose to apply as they are looking into a sea of job opportunities. A few challenges with developing and maintaining job descriptions include staying up to date on the current information, and trends as well as allowing the job descriptions to set the expectations from the start.
In my experience, one of the biggest downfalls in how a job descriptions perform, is due to the length, organization and vagueness. Painting a picture of the company, your values and the skills needed to align with the culture in the first paragraph would help sell your job. (TriMech, 2019) When completing the remainder of the job description, keeping it short, simple and even in a bullet point fashion will allow all for an easy read and any information that did not make it on the ad can be discussed in the interview.
Most companies view job descriptions aa a “one and done activity” and not as living documents meant to be constantly evolving (Tyler, 2013). Most companies also do not look at job descriptions as a way to prevent employment claims which can be simply prevent complications with wage/hours discrepancies and ADA/FMLA compliance (Akerman Law, 2019).
In my personal experience, I have seen managers complain that the caliber of new hires are low but I have seen the other side as well as new hires are frustrated when they learn the position calls for more than what was outlined. It would also be wise to lay out the training and development process so prospects know that the expectations may be high but the training will set them up for success. (Marsh, 2025). It would be helpful moving forward to review all job descriptions at least annually or biannually, this will not only make an impact on the applicant flow but also assist in preventing employment claims.
Work Cited:
Law, A. (2019, April 16). akerman. Retrieved from HR Defense: https://www.hrdefenseblog.com/2019/04/job-descriptions-can-be-shield-or-sword/
Marsh, J. (2025, April 16). Linkedin. Retrieved from Are up-to-date job descriptions really that important?: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/up-to-date-job-descriptions-really-important-julie-marsh-fcipd-owpxe/
TriMech. (2019, August 7). Trimech. Retrieved from The Importance of Accurate and Concise Job Descriptions: https://store.trimech.com/blog/the-importance-of-accurate-and-concise-job-descriptions?srsltid=AfmBOorwzMYrGsJuNEDqC7uauuMDSC3xmDw5j-kf-HM2kFvLz69PMKzi
Tyler, K. (2013, January 1). SHRM. Retrieved from Job Worth Doing: Update Descriptions: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/hr-magazine/job-worth-update-descriptions