We know that the Internet and search engines have revolutionized the way companies conduct candidate searches and recruit new employees. But many firms probably have not updated their job descriptions since Google was just a Stanford grad school project.

Job descriptions that are out-dated, too broad or poorly written or both are bad for the employees as well as the employer.

In our latest ebook, The Essential Guide to Writing World Class Job Descriptions, we expand on these benefits and give you important questions that need to be asked to create the best job descriptions.

For instance: how can a complete, and up-to-date job description protect you in the event of wrongful termination litigation?  How can a job description aid you in keeping up with FLSA and ADA requirements?  If you are in a position to hire new employees, or retain current ones, these are questions that you must consider.

Writing accurate, well-defined job descriptions is beneficial for a number of reasons:

• It provides a sturdy foundation for performance reviews and to monitor employee progress;
• It sets reasonable expectations about workload and responsibilities; ;
• You can hold your job descriptions up in comparison to your competitors, and make sure you are staying in line with industry standards.

Start With Great Job Description Templates

When writing a great job description, it’s all about the component parts that go into it. While no two jobs will have the same requirements, there are still several core components that should be present in every job description.

From entry-level positions, to senior management, everyone should want to know the answers to the following questions:

• What is expected of this employee at work?
• What are the essential duties, requirements and objectives for the job?
• How does this role fit within the larger company?
• What is the role they have now, and the roles which may become available to them as their skills progress?
• What are the qualification requirements?

Include Key Details

Once you have a base level of information for each position, it is time to flesh the descriptions out as much as possible. Remember that the more specific you can be now, the fewer problems and misunderstandings you can expect in the future. Consider adding each of the following when you fill out your job description templates:

• Job title. This is especially important when recruiting. Most job seekers will search under specific terms, so appropriate labeling is essential.
• The name of your company, and a brief description of the company.
• Department. This is also helpful in attracting job seekers.
• Supervisor. This helps define reporting status.
• Position status. Will this be full time, or part time?
• Pay type. Hourly or salaried?
• FLSA status. Is this position exempt, or non-exempt?
• Physical requirements. If there are any circumstances which might be difficult, list them here.

The Challenges of Writing Job Descriptions

Why struggle to write job descriptions on your own when you can get professional help for free?  Download our free eBook, The Essential Guide to Job Descriptions, to learn how to overcome the challenges of creating high quality job descriptions.

According to research by human resources organizations, the biggest challenge to overcome when writing job descriptions is “identifying the necessary interpersonal and soft skills”.  One way to find the right mix of skills is to look at job descriptions from successful companies.  See if the skills they list would be necessary for your company’s positions as well.