Job Descriptions provide clarity, transparency, expectations and organization for both the new employee and your business. Many businesses may feel they aren’t big enough to have job descriptions or job descriptions really aren’t relevant enough anymore. The downfall of that thought process is that you are leaving your business open to failure, disorganization and costly mistakes.
Benefits To a Prospective Employee
Create a First Impression A job description is really the first thing a prospective employee will read when searching for a job and this is their first impression of your company. Make a good, long lasting impression.
Clearly Convey the Responsibilities of the Job If written clearly, a job description will help to attract the right employee. A job description needs to include job title, role, skills needed for the job, personal characteristics, responsibilities, who they are reporting to, salary (this is becoming more transparent and essential in today’s world) and very important but sometimes overlooked, the company culture or mission statement.
Provide a Guideline of Expectations A job description provides details and objectives that are spelled out and in turn, will make for a more confident new hire. Realistic expectations can lead to an employee who will find more enjoyment in the job and feel part of the company. If you don’t provide clear, detailed expectations of the job, the new hire may feel like they have been taken advantage of and ultimately will feel like they have been lied to, turning into resentment and resignation.
Benefits to a Business Owner/Management Team
Build an Organization Chart A good job description can also help form your organizational chart. Every company should have an organizational chart in place. These charts create a web of roles and functions. A job description can also be used for employee reviews. A review can allow you to see if the job description is correct, update/revise the description and also let you know if the employee is excelling or if there are any shortfalls.
Supports Onboarding, Job Training & Development Process A job description can help with the on-boarding process. Understanding what the employee knows and doesn’t know at the start of a job can help with any training necessary. This can be customized to each employee and provide valuable insight to current employees who may need to help with the training.
Clarifies Job Roles within the Strategic Plan It aligns management to fill job roles properly within their Strategic Plan. A job description allows every employee, both from an individual perspective and collectively, to attain the goals and objectives of the business in order to achieve success. Company owners or management can see if there are any gaps in the company structure and take necessary action for new hires.
Lays out the Foundation of Expectations If you need to terminate an employee, a job description provides the guidelines of what didn’t get accomplished. This provides back up, along with performance reviews, to have information as to why an employee is being let go.
The bottom line: If you are successful in creating clear, well-developed job descriptions from the start and able to maintain them, ultimately, they will provide you and your business yet another path for success.