October 7, 2008

Job description tips

Filed under: Management techniques by Meryl Runion |

Meryl,

Do you have any suggestions for writing effective job descriptions?

Meryl says,

Yep. I describe this in my performance review book and my management phrases book.

Use the three R’s – really reflect reality. Make sure the descriptions are concrete. Choose words that paint a picture of what it looks like when performed 100%. Not, answers phone – more – answers phone by the third ring with proper company greeting.

Here are some questions to ask in building the description:

What is the main purpose of the job?
What are the primary responsibilities of the job?
What are the main elements of the job?
What parts of the job are essential, and there would be serious consequences if they were not done?
What parts of the job are non-essential?
What do others depend on this position for?

Ask people who depend on that person. For example:

What do you depend on the person in this position for?
What do you see as essential for this position?
What qualities and behaviors do you appreciate most from the person in this position?
What job standards would you like to see the person in this position have?

Pull it all together, and ask yourself the 3 R question. Does this really reflect reality? If you follow the process, it should.