Thinking back to the last job I had, much of the job description influenced my decision to apply for the position. The job description that was provided when applying for the position seemed aligned with what I wanted to do and my goals. With my experience on the job, I believe it did not completely match the job description or job posting. I would say my experience and the job description matched around 70%. The last job I applied for was a behavior technician.
With my experience and with the job description, it did were some similarities. Some similar aspects of my experience and the job description consist of working with children who have autism or developmental disorders. Another similarity is applying ABA methods and practices during sessions with the children. These aspects of the job description did align with my experience. I practiced ABA methods and applied them during sessions with the children.
The differences between my experience and the job description are that the job description greatly emphasized the idea of working as a team to hold the child. This was a major difference between my experience and the job description. Throughout the application process and in the job description and job posting, it is continuously mentioned that this role includes lots of teamwork and communication with the case manager, other behavior technicians, and other professionals. Throughout my time, I rarely experienced communication and collaboration with anyone, even when I had questions or concerns. This job requires continuous and regular communication for the benefit of the client, but without having a team to work with, this made the job far more difficult and draining.
While I do not have a copy of the job description, it is somewhat similar to other job descriptions for this role.
4 replies on “Week 3 – Job Descriptions”
Hi Haly,
Really great rundown on the job description. I really liked how you added a percentage of how much you expected the job to be. Its interesting that the description mentioned a lot of communication with those people but failed to follow through. Good post look forward to reading more.
Hello Haly,
I’m sorry that you had that experience with your latest job. I can understand what it is like to have poor communication on a team, which is what it was like at my job before the one I have now. I made sure to document everything, in case I needed to bring it to HR.
Hi Haly,
I’m sorry to hear that the job didn’t prioritize teamwork like they stated, it can make it much more difficult to work efficiently especially in a field like yours. It’s frustrating that they put so much focus on team dynamics in the description yet it wasn’t regarded. I also enjoy working with a team rather than independently, it helps me learn more and feel more productive.
It’s so important to hear both the highs and the challenges that come with a job not fully matching its description. It sounds like you were really committed to supporting the children and applying ABA practices, which is no small task. The lack of team communication you mentioned is especially tough, especially in a role that emphasizes collaboration for the benefit of the client. It’s disappointing when what’s promised in a job description doesn’t translate into the actual work environment. Hopefully, your next role offers not just the duties you’re passionate about, but also the support system to make that work sustainable and fulfilling.