Job descriptions are required by law for every position within a company and they must be provided to the employee as part of their hiring. Besides being needed by law it helps to keep everyone clear about what each person is responsible for in their job, and avoid any misunderstandings.

If you've never put together a job description before it can be a bit stressful. Job descriptions just like jobs come in every size and shape and sometimes job descriptions become so cumbersome nobody reads them. Try to keep them short and to the point. A 10-page job description is not smart!

A job description helps the person that will be doing the job, but it also helps you a great deal when you are hiring. After all, how can you hire the perfect person for the job unless you know what the job is.

Start with an analysis of the job. Sit down and make a list of what is expected from the person that will be doing this job. Try not to get too detailed. For example, "must keep office supply cabinet stocked." That should go without saying. Instead focus on tasks that the person will be responsible for completing.

If someone is already working the job, they can be your most valuable resource. Ask them to list the main tasks of the job they do. Once you have made a decision about the knowledge, experience, and skill necessary to do the job you need to put it to paper. Here's a sample template that you can use for all your job descriptions.

Start with the summary of the position, which will include the job title, and the goals, and objectives of the position.

List who the person holding this job will report to

List the duties and responsibilities

List the required education, skills, knowledge, and qualifications

If there are physical requirements list them. For example, must be able to lift 30 pounds. If there are mental requirements list them. For example, must be able to ad in your head.

List the performance factors. For example, must be able to work unsupervised, or must have good communication skills.

List the work conditions if there is something they should know. For example, you will be working outside, or you will be exposed to mechanical odors.

That's it, you're ready to start writing your job descriptions.

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