Writing a compelling job description can make the difference between attracting a superstar and a not-so-super candidate. You do not have to be an experienced recruiter to write a job description that gets noticed. A terrific job description lets candidates know what will be expected of her from the outset helping to ensure a smooth transition once hired. A well-written job description can also help you be sure you are complying with necessary employment laws. By following a few simple steps, you can create a compelling and compliant job description in a matter of minutes. There are eight typical components of a job description:
Here are effective resources for developing job descriptions for small and growing businesses as well as startups:
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Purchase low-cost job description generation software
Job description generation software can be an economical way to create focused and legally compliant descriptions. Generate one or one hundred job descriptions in a matter of minutes.
I recommend: With sample job description encyclopedias, CD-ROMs and downloadable solutions available for purchase,
BLR offers multiple resources depending upon your needs and budget.Another software stand-out is
Descriptions Now, which offers a turn-key solution that includes the proper legal disclaimers, as well as an interface to post your positions to popular online job boards.
Use free do-it-yourself Web tools to create job descriptions
A handful of Web sites offer job description writing resources that can get you started at no cost.
I recommend: If you want to be guided step-by-step through the process,
CareerInfoNet offers a robust wizard that helps you identify skills, knowledge, tasks, work activities and work context to include in your job description. The easy-to-use wizard then outputs your description in your choice of Microsoft Word, HTML or XML.
Inc.com offers a simple template that is customizable for almost any position.
Search online job boards
Popular Web sites for job seekers contain millions of actual job descriptions that are searchable free of charge. You can search for job postings in your industry and read other companies' job descriptions to get a sense of what to include and how to write a job description that gets noticed.
I recommend: Monster.com ,
Hotjobs.com and
CareerBuilder.com are excellent resources to get you started. If technology positions are your need, try
Dice.com.
Hire an employment lawyer or HR consultant
If you want expert advice to help you craft your job descriptions, you can hire an attorney or consultant who knows the ropes.
I recommend: Find an employment lawyer in your area quickly and easily using
Lawyers.com's free attorney locator tool.The
Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) lists consultants nationally that provide expertise on staffing, as well as other human resource topics.
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