Two years later and this content is still relevant, yet drier than a dustbowl and not quite as exciting as watching someone chew gum from across a crowded training room. 

Job descriptions can be too restrictive or too vague providing no real value. Yup, it's still true.  What I preach to clients - job descriptions are descriptions of positions, not people.  It is about setting expectations of performance and not accommodating a specific skills set.  Ask yourself, what does the business need to complete department or organizational goals?  What are the basic educational requirements that an individual must possess to be successful?  What abilities would be beneficial to help the company grow?

Writing job descriptions takes skills.  Skills in listening, verbal reasoning, written comprehension and process management. Crafting job descriptions also takes research and the primary tasks are not always the most obvious.  Highly skilled classification specialists know to ask questions and sit back and let the details fly.

Here's a hint in helping to write ADA compliant job descriptions - walk a mile in their shoes - literally.  If you need personal protective equipment, write it down.  If you spend the day sitting, write it down.  If you are outside in 100 degree temperatures for hours on end, write it down.  You get the idea.

Having trouble writing job descriptions?  Call us!  (210) 679-4879  We have authored 1,000's of job descriptions over the past few years. 

Leanne King
President, SeeKing HR