Why are job descriptions important?

A job description is a basic management tool that will help increase individual and organisational effectiveness.

For employees, a good job description will help all staff understand:
1. Their duties and responsibilities
2. The relative importance of their duties
3. How their position contributes to the mission, goals and objectives of the organisation

Job descriptions are also the foundation for most management activities and required to ensure other management tasks are completed effectively.

Recruitment
Job descriptions that clearly articulate the duties to be performed and qualifications required to conduct a position is essential when recruiting. Interview questions, hiring criteria and the screening process should all be based on the duties and qualification outlined in the job description

Induction / Orientation
The job description helps the employee see how their position relates to other positions in the organization and what's expected of them, helping them to settle in to a new role.

Training
The job description can be used to identify areas where the employee does not adequately meet the needs of the position and requires training. It can also be used when looking to promote internally and employees understand what is required in a higher level role.

Supervision / Management
The job description should be used by the employee and management to help establish a regular work plan as well as agreed outcomes or performance measurements which can then be used for feedback and review purposes.

Compensation
Job descriptions can be used to develop a salary structure, which is based on the duties, responsibility and qualifications of each position in the organisation.

Performance Management
The job description and the work plan should be used to monitor and review performance against agreed measurements or targets.

So, if you haven't got job descriptions in place, or they need review, hop to it!