How to write a good job description
In this step-by-step series about hiring, we’ve looked at your business finances to make sure the business is ready to take on another employee and we’ve thought about who to hire first. Now it’s time to write the job description, a task in our experience that often gets overlooked.
What’s a job description?
A job description is an internal document which explains the role that the new employee will perform. It contains all the details about the role, and it is written in a formal tone.
A clear and precise job description is important for three main reasons:
First, you use the job description to help you decide which applicants are the best fit for the job when shortlisting and interviewing.
Second, applicants use the job description to assess whether s/ he has the skills and experience necessary to perform the job.
Third, once your new employee is going through their probationary period, you’ll use the job description to evaluate whether or not s/ he is competent and should be confirmed in post.
What goes into a job description?
A job description describes the key responsibilities of the role. It should include:
Main Purpose: An overview of the position and how it fits into the business. E.g.
A full-time experienced domestic plumber to attend pre-booked customer appointments in the local area. Appointments are booked by the office team. You will be responsible for delivering excellent customer service and quality workmanship which meets all current regulations.
Main Tasks: A precise description of the main responsibilities of the role. E.g.
The role will involve dealing with:
Boiler breakdowns and fault finding;
Boiler servicing and general maintenance;
Landlord gas safety checks;
Emergency water/ gas leaks;
General heating and plumbing problems
And some installation work although most jobs will be repairs/ maintenance.
Person Specification: The person specification is a concise profile of the person who would best match the job, spelling out which attributes are essential and which are desirable. It helps would-be applicants to assess whether they should apply for the job and provides a benchmark for the employer to assess the applicants. It should focus on:
Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge
Experience
Aptitudes
Personal Qualities
E.g. To be considered for this position, you must:
Have a minimum 3 years’ experience of domestic boiler breakdowns/ fault finding/ servicing/ maintenance/ repairs.
Hold valid gas qualifications (CCN1, CENWAT1, CKR1 etc).
Good knowledge of the unsafe situation’s procedures and correctly following procedure on AR/ID situations if encountered.
Have a valid UK driving license.
Have your own tools such as hand tools, drills and calibrated analyser.
Have strong customer skills
Have a "can do" attitude and be able to manage own workload
Be honest.
Experience in kitchen installations and working in high end properties is desirable but not essential.
Now you’ve written the job description, you’re ready to advertise the role.
The other articles in this step-by-step series are:
Other articles we’ve written that will help you grow your trades business include: