Job description

A job description is a list of the general tasks, or functions, and responsibilities of a position. Typically, it also includes to whom the position reports, specifications such as the qualifications needed by the person in the job, salary range for the position, etc. A job description is usually developed by conducting a job analysis, which includes examining the tasks and sequences of tasks necessary to perform the job. The analysis looks at the areas of knowledge and skills needed by the job. Note that a role is the set of responsibilities or expected results associated with a job. A job usually includes several roles. The job description might be broadened to form a person specification. An alternate terminology used under the UN system is Terms of reference (TOR).

Purpose

The objective of a job description is to have a clear outline of duties and responsibilities to make the screening process as direct and focused as possible.

Job descriptions may have the following elements: improvement cooperation by giving all members of the organization insight in existing responsibilities/roles
enabling career moves within the organization
determination of amount of pay per function
increase of results by specification of responsibilities and key performance indicators
development of job owner by specification of competences
may include the phrase "perform other duties as assigned"

Possible job description items

Job title

A specific designation of a post within an organization, normally associated with a job description that details the tasks and responsibilities that go with it. With the rise of online job search engines, job titles became increasingly important. In many cases, this causes job title inflation.

Job duties

may also be called Tasks Performed; may be as lengthy as necessary to fully describe each essential duty or responsibility which comprises the employee's functions, generally starting with principle duties.

Roles and responsibilities

This includes supervisory level, managerial requirements, and any working relationships and may also include your corporate/individual objectives.

Salary and benefits

Describes the compensation type, hourly or salary, and amount. In addition it includes both standard benefits and any fringe benefits associated with the position.

Translation

The phrase "Job description" occurs as such in the following languages: English, Italian.

Translation(s) in other languages: Arabic: الوصف الوظيفي, German: Stellenbeschreibung, Japanese: 職務記述書.