Job Description Components

Although there is no standard format for a job description, almost all well-written, useful descriptions will include these components: (1) Job title, (2) Summary, (3) Equipment, (4) Environment, (5) Activities. Explain what information should be contained in each section.

A job description represents a written summary of a job. However, a well written job description represents more than just a job summary it represents a truly useful job description for the person applying for the job and for the human resource specialist reviewing the job’s applications. The human resource specialist needs to match the best qualified candidate with the job to be filled. With the help of a well written job description the human resource specialist is going to be in a better position of successfully accomplishing this task.

Although there is no standard format for a job description, a well written and useful job description includes information on the following five areas:

1. Job title: This section includes the actual title of the job and any other job indentifying information such as wage and benefits.

2. Summary: This section includes a brief statement, one to two sentences, describing the purpose of the job and what outputs are expected from job incumbents.

3. Equipment: This section includes a statement of the tools, equipment, and any other information required for effectively performing the job.

4. Environment: This section includes a description of the working conditions of the job, the location of the job, and any other relevant characteristics of the immediate work environment such as hazards, and noise levels.

5. Activities: This section includes a description of job duties, responsibilities, and behaviors performed, and any other social interactions associated with the job.

A well written job description is a valuable tool for any successful organization that wishes to remain competitive. If I am the human resource specialist supervisor in charge of...