Seven Great Job Descriptions Samples
When I am developing administrative assistant job descriptions, sales, or executive job descriptions I use job descriptions templates that will help my client and their employees focus more readily on the essential job functions.
Many job descriptions and duties can be a challenge to write. I have witnessed a variety of methods over the years and find that job descriptions samples assist the client in arriving at a better vision of the outcome. Here are seven great job descriptions samples to facilitate their development.
Position purpose
First, job description templates should list a position purpose. Within this template you should summarize the major functions and responsibilities of the job, summarize reporting relationships, and summarize interactions with others.
Position functions
Second, templates should list position functions, both essential job functions and other job functions. A description of essential job functions helps you and the employee(s) identify the most important job functions, and, within the context of the American with Disabilities Act, it helps you to identify whether or not an employee with a disability will be able to perform those essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation. Other job functions refer to duties that may be occasional.
Describe supervision
Third, templates should describe supervision – both supervision received and supervision exercised, where applicable. As you develop these descriptions look at the type and kind of supervision received. For instance executive job descriptions will probably receive little supervision but exercise considerable supervision over subordinate employees. Administrative assistant job descriptions, on the other hand, will receive more direct supervision from supervisors or managers and exercise little or no supervision over others.
Describe judgment & complexity
Fourth, templates should describe the judgment and complexity exercised by the job. The type and kind of judgment exercised helps to qualify the attributes and natural talents important for the successful execution of job functions. The complexity of tasks and functions also directly relates to the attributes and natural talents that an employee will be required to use on the job.
Contacts required
Fifth, templates should describe the contacts required by the position. As you evaluate the types and kinds of contacts necessary for the employee to perform the job effectively, you need to determine frequency of contact, method or medium of contact (verbal, written), and the purpose of the contact.
Environmental requirements
Sixth, templates should evaluate the job’s environmental requirements. You should understand that these relate both to those essential job functions you listed earlier and tie-in directly to the need for reasonable accommodations. For instance, is vision required, is walking, driving, listening, lifting, or operating certain type of machinery required? Understanding the answers to these areas helps to ensure you are effectively evaluating both the job requirements and the abilities of employees to perform those essential job functions effectively.
Qualifications & experience
Finally, job descriptions templates should describe the qualifications and experience desired. Understand not only the attributes and natural talents required, as described through knowledge, skills, and abilities; but also understand the education and professional experience necessary to ensure the essential job functions are fulfilled.
