Thoughts on Hiring People: Part 2 of 2

Job descriptions are important for employees and employee prospects.  They are important for job posting, but just as important for training and employee evaluation purposes.

They are also important for the company.  They help the company manage roles in the following ways:

• Defines employer expectations
• Helps the employee manage his/her priorities
• Sets a standard for measuring job performance
• A reference tool for discipline issues
• Helps manage roles in a uniform way

I think folks make a mistake when they write a job description in a highly structured formal way.  I believe a more casual approach communicates better to the employee.  

Three points about job descriptions:

1.  Be sure and list specific duties.  Include commentary if it helps people understand the job better.

2.  It is important to include responsibilities that are related to morale and team building.  After all, isn't it everyone's job to get along and create a positive working environment?

3.  The job description is also an opportunity to promote the company culture and sell a prospective employee on the company.

Remember, culture and character are more important than skills.

Here is a sample of a job description for a warehouse/shipping job.  Notice how all three components are included.

Job Title:  Shipping and Warehouse Assistant

The primary responsibilities and qualifications are as follows:

*Order pulling and packaging for shipments. Many of our shipments are small parcels, but we have some palletized freight shipments. This position is primarily picking and packing the small parcel shipments, but occasionally you will have to help with the larger palletized freight shipments.

*Help with customer pickups as needed.

*Occasional data entry. This is not a heavy data entry position, but you do need to be able to do it a little bit.

*Organizing and Keeping Inventory, Warehouse Organization, and Cleaning

*Since we are a small company, all of our employees will be asked to help with other work around the company on occasion, as the need arises. The “that’s not my job” mentality has no place in our company.

*A good attitude and an understanding of the importance of a positive attitude at work. This is our number one requirement of every employee who works for us.

*Good Common Sense and ability to think on your feet.

*Communication with customers and people throughout the company is essential. 

*The ability to evaluate options and make decisions. We are a company that encourages our employees to use their best judgment and make decisions. Taking action is encouraged.

*Prior shipping and/or receiving experience preferred.

*Strong Work Ethic, Integrity and an attitude of Goodwill toward others.

*Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and detail.

When interviewing people, ask them what they think (and do they have any questions) about the job description.  Notice how there are quite a few references that address culture and character.  People will notice this, and folks who are trying to leave a situation with a poor company culture will gravitate toward this and want to work for you.  Others may not notice it at all, which might be telling you something.

One final thought:  The hardest Job Description to write is the first one.  Each one after that is a lot easier.  You can copy the format of the first one and edit the specifics.  You may dread writing them, but once you have them you'll be very glad you did.  They are a tool that will really help you.