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Though there are no specific requirements as to what job descriptions must contain, employers should include enough information to accurately describe the essential job duties and expectations. Generally, the most common job description elements include the following.
Name used to identify the job. Often, the job title is the last item you decide on because preparing the job description can guide you to selecting an appropriate job title.
The job title describes the purpose of the position and provides a high-level summary of the job’s essential functions. Similar to the job title, you may want to wait until you’ve written the rest of the job description before writing the job summary, so that the summary accurately reflects the more detailed job description.
States the prerequisite education and experience required for the position, for example, bachelor’s degree in related field, five years of experience, etc.
Describes the general knowledge required for the position. This is specific to the position. For example, a teaching position may require knowledge related to designing curriculum, training and instruction methods. A computer systems analyst may require knowledge of computers, electronics and other related areas.
Describes the specific skills required for the position. This could include basic skills, such as writing/communication, critical thinking, etc., technical skills, such as programming, or other relevant skills.
Provides information about the working environment, including physical requirements, communication methods, pace and scheduling, setting (e.g., working indoors, outdoors, etc.).
Provides specific and detailed task list for the position. This is the job description’s core component that describes the position’s essential job duties and responsibilities.
Identifies the specific tools and technology the position will utilize in carrying out their job duties, for example, computers, software, tools, equipment, etc.
Employers don’t necessarily need to break up the job description into all the elements listed above. What’s most important is for the job description to describe in detail the position’s essential job functions. The next section discusses how employers can identify which job functions are “essential” and explains why it’s so important to describe them in detail in job descriptions.