Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, 5/e

Writing Job Descriptions

Learning Objective 4

1. Explain how you would write a job description.

The most important product of job analysis is the job description. A job description is a written statement of what the worker actually does, how he or she does it, and what the job’s working conditions are. This information is in turn used to write a job specification; this lists the knowledge, abilities, and skills required to perform the job satisfactorily. 18

There is no standard format for writing a job description. However, most descriptions contain sections that cover:

1. Job identification

2. Job summary

3. Responsibilities and duties

4. Authority of incumbent

5. Standards of performance

6. Working conditions

7. Job specification

Figures 4.5 and 4.6 (on pages ...