Insights

For some employers, writing a job description for a role they wish to fill is a given; they do it as a matter of course. For others, surprisingly, doing so is less obvious. In our experience, some employers have to be prompted, and a some even refuse to supply one.

Why, then, is a job description so important?

1. Because a highly detailed job description will attract more suitable candidates
2. It acts as the basis for the job advertisement, and employer interview questions
3. Establishes what is and what isn’t the potential employee’s responsibility
4. Provides a basis for the employee working their way up the company ladder



It’s in a company’s best interest not to spend unneeded time on processing unsuitable candidates, and that’s what a lack of a detailed job spec will produce. In order to receive applications only from those whose ‘soft skills’ and personality requirements match the company’s, the job description must establish the need for more than simply ‘good communication skills’. Instead, including something like ‘experience with group presentation work’ or ‘ability to speak two or more languages’ could be a good way of finding only those with evidence of the required communication skills.

The job description also enables the potential lines of inquiry at interviews. For example, the job spec mentioning a preference for someone who can use programming languages allows the interviewer to ask someone who says only that they have ‘strong computer skills’ on their CV, if they can speak Java or Swift. Good job specifications therefore hone the interview questions so that finding the perfect candidate is far more achievable.

Moreover, the job specification lets the candidate know what would be expected of them in the role. Not only is this useful for the candidate once he/she starts working (see above, points 3 & 4), but also for keeping legal records. Having a job description is so important in the event of an employee filing a lawsuit. Simply as damage limitation, then, the job description has some purpose. When coupled with all the advantages set out above, it becomes something near-essential.

Clearly, a comprehensive job description benefits both the candidate and the employer. All it takes is setting aside a small amount of time now to better your company later.