Writing a job description
"A good job description is useful for all jobs. It can help with induction and training. It provides the basis for drawing up a person specification - a profile of the skills and aptitudes considered essential and desirable in the job-holder. It enables prospective applicants to assess themselves for the job and provides a benchmark for judging achievements."
ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
A job description should include:
- the job title
- the employee's position in the company
- the reporting structure of the company - who the employee reports to, and who reports to them
- the location(s) of the job
- a short summary of the purpose of the job
- a list of the main responsibilities - for people and equipment
- a list of the main tasks
You might find it helpful to use a 
Job description template.
The language you use is important. ACAS recommends that you use active verbs to describe the tasks and responsibilities, like 'writing', 'repairing', 'calculating', instead of vaguer terms like 'dealing with', 'in charge of'. Be realistic and objective - this is not the place to glamorise the job or make false claims for it. Being honest and clear at this stage will get you off to a good start with your new employee.
You'll find more about job description in:
- Business Link's Recruitment and getting started
- The ACAS advisory booklet Recruitment and induction - ACAS helpline advisers can also answer your questions about job description on 08457 47 47 47.
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