backtobasics

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The Magazine of WorldatWork

Job Descriptions:
An Essential Tool
It defines the general nature of the Job specifications:
Job descriptions are one of the job and the level of work performed. This component identifies the knowl-
most important and basic It is the main identifier of a job. edge, skills, abilities and behaviors
building blocks of an effective needed to perform the job competently.
compensation system. A job Exemption status: It usually notes the minimum specifi-
description is a summary of the An individual job can be either cations required to perform the job.
most important features of a job, exempt or not exempt from the hours It should note any bona fide
including the general nature of the worked and overtime requirements occupational qualifications.
work performed as well as the level of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
(e.g., skill, effort, responsibility and This is typically found on every Working conditions:
working conditions) of the work job description. This component lists any
performed. It typically includes job hazardous, unpleasant or
specifications that detail employee Reporting relationships: pleasant working conditions.
characteristics required for perfor- Both the supervisor (who the It typically will contain level of
mance of the job. However, job employee reports to) and any workers intensity, frequency and duration.
descriptions describe the job itself, who report to the employee should
not the individual who might fill the be identified. Disclaimer:
job today or in the future. This will list any occasions when an
General summary: incumbent might be asked to do a duty
This is intended to give some idea of that is not listed on the job description.

J
ob descriptions have many the level of skill and responsibility It should contain a may perform
important functions in designing found in the job. other duties as assigned statement.
and managing a variety of HR It is a brief summary provided
programs. The descriptions are used as a general overview. Conclusion
to help evaluate and document the It contains the general nature, Although there is no specific format
essential functions of a job, which can level and purpose of the job. used for job descriptions, the previous
then be used to develop a job-worth items are found on most descriptions.
hierarchy and pay structure. They also Principal duties and responsibilities: The key to a good description is to list
play an important role in performance This component typically contains the essential functions and the minimum
management, recruiting and succession the essential functions of the job. specifications of the job, and ensure
planning, and legal compliance. It usually lists duties and responsibili- that it is up-to-date and accurate.
While there is no universal format for ties in some rank order of importance.
Compiled by Adam Sorensen, GRP, senior
job descriptions, most job descriptions It lists duties that account for
practice leader, WorldatWork. He can be reached
contain the following components: more than 5 percent of time or are at adam.sorensen@worldatwork.org.
critical to successful performance of
Back to Basics is intended to provide entry-level
Job title: the job. information on issues relevant to comp ens ation,
benefits and the work experience. Though factual
This is typically found on every It sometimes will have the percent of in nature, nothing herein is to be construed as legal,
accounting, actuarial or other such professional advice.
job description. time the duties would encompass.

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