How to Write a Job Description
Describe the Position:
 The job itself should be described, not the individual performing the job
 Should be written concisely and completely to enable clear understanding of the duties
and responsibilities by external parties
 Provide an overall view of the position, not a specific day-to-day duties list
 In compliance with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), minimum
qualifications should be directly correlated to the roles of the position and not
overstated
Do:
Don't:
Use short, direct verbs Use ambiguous terms
in the present tense
without explanation
Describe the work
Lump several large
that accounts for 90% responsibilities
of the duties
together
Describe the
Use abbreviations or
responsibility level of
technical terms
department results
without explanation
Describe what/if any
Supervision is
exercised
Describe what
equipment and/or
tools are used
Describe personal
characteristics
List every day-to-day
activity of the job
Job Specifications:
Used to help define worker characteristics required to perform the job competently.
Typically defined in terms of:
Knowledge
Defines mental
aspects of job
Skills
Defines manual
and/or applied mental
aspects of job
Abilities
Natural talents or
developed
proficiencies
Behaviors
Behaviors required for
performing the job
What the employee
must know (through
education, training, or
experience)
What the employee
must be able to do
(typically experience
or training)
Defines how the
employee should act
in support of
organizational goals
Example: Accounting
Principle
Example: Maintain
general ledger
Defines aptitudes
normally present at
birth in job
incumbent, but may in
some cases be
acquired
Example: Balance
multiple priorities
Example: Positive
interaction with
members of the
organization