Preparing Job Descriptions and Selection Criteria

A job description explains: What the job is about Who supervises the position The tasks the person is expected to perform The standards by which an employee can be evaluated

Selection criteria is a list of: Skills Personal attributes Credentials Other characteristics

Why develop a job description and selection criteria: To define the position To give potential applicants a sense of if they should apply To clarify thinking To advertise the position To make hiring the best person more likely

Three parts of preparing a job description: Choosing the job title Developing a list of specific duties and responsibilities that the position requires Composing a capsule description of the position

A better job title: Can attract better candidates Serves to define the position and to define the place of its holder both in the organization and in the community

A list of specific duties and responsibilities includes: Basic elements of the position Job-related skills and personality traits Skills acquired through experience Non-specific skills, traits, and abilities Specific activities required for the position

The capsule description A two or three sentence description of the job and its purpose Includes any other major responsibilities the job entails

Selection criteria may include: Education and other formal credentials Job-specific skills and knowledge Non-job-specific skills and knowledge Personality attributes and traits