A job description is a useful, plain-language tool that explains the tasks, duties, function and responsibilities of a position. It details who performs a specific type of work, how that work is to be completed, and the frequency and the purpose of the work as it relates to the organization's mission and goals. Job descriptions are used for a variety of reasons, such as determining salary levels, conducting performance reviews, clarifying missions, establishing titles and pay grades, and creating reasonable accommodation controls, and as a tool for recruiting. Job descriptions are useful in career planning, offering training exercises and establishing legal requirements for compliance purposes. A job description gives an employee a clear and concise resource to be used as a guide for job performance. Likewise, a supervisor can use a job description as a measuring tool to ensure that the employee is meeting job expectations.
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Developing a Job Description
SHRM How-to-Guide
Checklist: Do Your Job Descriptions Need an Update for 2024?
Fisher Phillips | Dec 2023
SHRM Resources
Toolkit Performing Job Analysis
HRQA How do I conduct a job analysis to ensure the job description actually matches the duties performed by the employee in the job?
Database Job Descriptions
Worksheet Job Description
Template Job Description Template #1
Article Saved—Or Sunk—By the Job Description?
Express Request Determining Essential Functions
Reading and Listening
Job Descriptions Can Be Shield or Sword
Akerman | Apr 2019
Looking Ahead to Exhibit A: Tips For Drafting Job Descriptions for Exempt Employees
Seyfarth | Feb 2019
Video and Transcript: Job Description Mistakes You Don't Want to Make
Cozen O'Connor | Jan 2019
Court's Review Of Position Description Determines Outcome In FLSA Outside Sales Class Action
Fox Rothschild | Oct 2018
The Importance of Maintaining Detailed Job Descriptions
Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus | Jun 2018
Podcast HR Law 101 Ep.4: What You Need to Know About Creating Effective Job Descriptions
Verrill Dana | Jun 2018
The Essential Role of the Job Description
Jackson Lewis | Mar 2018
Why You Should Let Employees Personalize Their Job Descriptions
Harvard Business Review via SHRM | May 2018
Resources
Job Descriptions
Job Accommodation Network
How Are Essential Functions Determined?
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
How to Develop Job Descriptions
Congressional Management Foundation
Online Job Description Writer
Career One Stop
Writing and Using Job Descriptions
NOLO
Job Description Databases
SHRM
Career Planner
University of Maryland
University of New Mexico
Sacramento Regional Transit District
Municipal Research and Services Center
For Purchase in SHRM Store
Software: SHRM Job Description Manager
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