Five keys to great job descriptions

Job Title – Keep job titles specific, and use standardized terms to describe the position. Let’s say, for example, you’re filling a lead position in your call center. Titling the position “Senior Customer Service Representative” would be more universal than “Service Specialist IV.” Applicants don’t want to guess what the job truly is.

Job Summary – Write an attention-getting job summary. Describe what makes working at your company unique and why a prospective employee would want to work there. Be sure to include where the job is located or if travel is required. If working remotely is a possibility, include that information in the job summary. You may attract a more diverse set of job applicants who find that flexible option appealing.

Job Tasks – Provide an overview of day-to-day responsibilities and job duties in relation to how it fits within the company’s overall department structure. If there are certain metrics in place or customer contact, these are examples of tasks an applicant wants to know before starting the job.

Job Skills – List unique skills that a candidate needs to be able to fulfill the job duties. Both hard and soft skills are important to include in the

list. Hard skills would be something like specific computer-specific knowledge. Soft skills, on the other hand, might include the ability to work collaboratively with others.

The bottom line

An effective job description encourages potential employees to apply by giving them information about your company and about the specific job(s). Avoid terms and acronyms that are understood only by your current workforce. Keep in mind that a job description should outline the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in

the role, rather than describing the type of person who might be successful. Personal attributes may be important considerations, but should be listed as abilities, like the ability to work independently or speak in front of groups.

Michelle Higgins is an associate editor with J. J. Keller & Associates, a nationally recognized compliance resource firm. The company offers a diverse line of products and services to address the broad range of responsibilities held by corporate professionals. Higgins specializes in business topics such as benefits and compensation, and the Family and Medical Leave Act. She is the editor of J. J. Keller’s BottomLine Benefits & Compensation newsletter. For more information, visit www. jjkeller.com/hr and www. jjkellerlibrary.com.