You may be thinking about creating Job Descriptions or have some that may need updating. The thing is that every time you think about it – you find something else to do. It’s just not that exciting and you think – why bother, people look at it once then never again.  What if that one piece of paper could give your several uses – 5 to be exact – would that make it more of a priority? Let’s find out.

5 uses for a Job Description as a countdown.

5.  Legalities. Ok, this one you may already know about. Having a job description outlines the qualifications (so you can defend your position not to hire someone), physical requirements (to determine what kinds of accommodations you can make for a person with disabilities) and essential functions (what’s the minimum a person needs to do to be successful, also to determine what accommodations you can make).

4. Recruiting. It will help to keep you focused on the qualifications and skills needed. I have found it helpful in order to stop “shinny object syndrome”. You have had this happen. You are reviewing resumes and someone possess a skills that you believe would be great (shinny object) and bias yourself towards that person. The job description will keep you focused on what you really need for the position and if they possess that AND the shinny object – they may move to the top of the pile.

3. Training New Hires. You bring someone new into the organization and need to develop a training plan. Use the job description to guide you to ensure you train what is needed for them to be successful. Don’t forget to add timelines, they cannot learn the job in a day.

2. Setting Expectations. Job Descriptions are the ideal of what a position should accomplish. Share this especially with new hires and they will understand what is expected from them once their training is over.  This works great for people moving into a new position.

1. Development Plans. You probably have some great employees doing wonderful work and you have some…well…let’s say they need some development. Use the job description in a conversation with them to determine how they can improve in one or two areas noted for the next month or so.  Follow-up and repeat. You could end up with fantastic employees all around.

Start writing your job descriptions – now it will be used more than once.

Need some help getting your descriptions done? Contact me and we discuss your needs.