On first glance a deceptively mundane detail, job descriptions that are accurately prepared and faithfully followed can improve employee productivity. Accurate job descriptions also prevent responsibilities from “slipping between the cracks.” This can result in delays, inefficiencies, and finger-pointing and, if not checked, loss of your business’s reputation.
A well-prepared job description begins with a job analysis, which considers the roles and responsibilities of a position, as well as the necessary knowledge, training, and skills. The analysis is then written up, and revised as necessary.
This may be easy to do with a small staff; as your work force grows, however, the task can become challenging and time-consuming, diverting your energy and resources from core business responsibilities.
Online companies have created libraries of job descriptions, as well as software templates that can simplify the writing (which you still have to do). Prices for annual unlimited use start at $100 or so. However, such a cookie-cutter approach may not fit your business.
Other companies will write job descriptions from a questionnaire you fill in. Prices are higher than for template services. The downside here is that if these companies don’t know your business keenly, they still could fail to accurately assess the job requirements and qualifications.
Job description services are available online; look for them locally in your Yellow Pages or through a web search. Alternatively, professional employer organizations (PEOs), which manage human resources for businesses, may offer this service. If your business already uses a PEO, ask your representative whether job description services are available.
If you want to write you own job descriptions you will ideally have an HR background or a good job description template on which you will base your documents.
Many of the online services are especially useful for do it yourselfers in that they provide templates that can be easily updated by business owners who are knowledgable of their specific job duties. This is often the most cost effective strategy for a small to medium sise business.
Registered SBI users can access a number of HR links, documents, worksheets, and other tools in the Resource Center. If you're a committed 'do it yourselfer' you will want to take advantage of these no-cost tools available exclusively to SBI members.