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Virtually every position offered by an employer comes with a job description, and employers and employees alike base their expectations for the position on the posted description. Both sides can benefit from understanding what role the job description plays.
Definition
According to Princeton University, a job description is simply a description of any given job's responsibilities. The University of Washington expands this definition to include a summary of job features, the general nature of a job and the required skills and physical duties.
Uses
Employers use job descriptions to advertise employment opportunities and to recruit qualified candidates.
Benefits
When an employer posts a well-written job description, prospective applicants know precisely what to expect from the position. In addition, employers receive a more relevant pool of job candidates.
Considerations
In a rush to fill as many positions as possible, some employers cut corners by posting generic job descriptions. These generic postings can confuse applicants and result in an influx of unqualified applicants.
Writing and Creation
In a large corporation, the human-resources department typically writes and publishes job descriptions. In smaller organizations, general or departmental managers often create job descriptions for their open positions.
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