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Purpose of a Job Description

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Purpose of a Job Description
What is the purpose of a job description?
The primary purpose of a job description is to identify the duties, essential functions and requirements of the position. Job descriptions also serve several other important functions. A good job description can assess work flow and eliminate duplication of effort and also help to assist in the evaluation of the employees’ job performance. It should be a statement of what duties and responsibilities the employee is expected to complete and a means for achieving them. Job descriptions can also be used as recruitment tools, compensation surveys and other benchmarks tools. Job descriptions are used for different purposes by the employee and the Human Resources Department. Human Resource managers, can use job descriptions for employee training and development and establishing and updating performance standards. In general, a job description includes the title, a description of the tasks performed, and information on working conditions. It can also include any other attributes that the employer requires for that position such as: education, knowledge, skills and personality suitability. 1 (Verma, 2007) Many business challenges such as the introduction of new technology, or increased business competition, can be more easily met when employees are well prepared and trained to have the required skills. The company I work for, for example, informs all the employees with the latest updates within the company by sending a letter. With detailed job descriptions, you can compare the actual tasks of employees to what needs to be done within the organization. This helps you easily identify critical areas that need to be addressed, ensuring you have a global view of your organization 's strengths and weaknesses and, at the same time, a detailed view of each employee 's areas of strengths and areas for improvement or change. In the recruitment process, a job description gives potential employees comprehensive information about the job for



Bibliography: February 21st 2013, http://www.passionned.nl/strategie/performance-management. March 5th, 2013, http://www.hrocore.com/job-descriptions/. Verma, (2007), http://www30.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/english/NOC/2006/JobDescriptions.aspx. Munck, R. d. (2013, March 5). (E. v. Huijstee, Interviewer) 3 Hogeschool van Amsterdam IBMS HRM paper | ‘What is the purpose of a job description?’

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