| Job descriptions are imperative to your business | | | | Next, list the activities necessary to do each task. Be |
| because they define job responsibilities and | | | | as detailed and precise as possible. If you aren't |
| expectations. | | | | specific and meticulous in describing every important |
| Job descriptions can be used in a number of ways in | | | | aspect of the job, federal regulators and courts can |
| your business. First, a description will help a candidate | | | | assume that the employee can perform the job any |
| decide if the job is of interest. Second, the | | | | way he or she wants, regardless of whether it |
| description will help you interview the candidate to | | | | complies with the company's policy. This is important |
| decide if the candidate is right for the position. The | | | | if you ever have issues with the Americans with |
| job description can help you in training new | | | | Disabilities Act (ADA), the Labor Department or just |
| employees. Finally, the description forms the | | | | a disgruntled employee. |
| backbone of your evaluation and review process. | | | | Do this for each task involved with this job. You may |
| Many people will be tempted to skip this step. It's | | | | have a very long list. That's ok! |
| too difficult; all of my employees know what they | | | | Job descriptions that contain detailed statements of |
| are supposed to do; I don't have time; it's a waste | | | | the employee's job pass the accountability for that |
| of time. The excuses go on and on. Don't fall into this | | | | action to the employee. Pretty quickly you will stop |
| trap! Job descriptions are an absolutely necessary | | | | hearing excuses. "I didn't know I was supposed to do |
| part of your business. As the business owner or | | | | that" or "that's not my job" are familiar ways for |
| manager, you are the one responsible to create | | | | employees to pass the buck to someone else. With a |
| them. | | | | precise statement, each employee knows exactly |
| The job description should be as clear and precise as | | | | what is expected and there is little room not to be |
| possible. Start by listing the major tasks an employee | | | | accountable. |
| in that position will be responsible for. It could be | | | | Clear, precise job descriptions will help you to both |
| customer satisfaction, follow-up, or administration. | | | | hire and manage your employees. |