The immediate supervisor or the employee can complete the job description, depending on which person is more familiar with the position. If the incumbent is new to the job or the position is new, the Manager may wish to complete the job description. If the employee completes it, the Manager needs to validate it. Managers have authority to determine the actual duties and responsibilities of the position.
After the job description template is complete, review it and ask yourself these questions:
- Is it logically organized to describe all the duties and responsibilities?
- Does it avoid using vague terms? Is it clear and current?
- Is it specific in explaining what is done and why? Are good examples used to illustrate complex and abstract issues?
- Is it concise? Are major duties addressed, rather than giving a detailed list of tasks?
- Does it include only material describing the position? Are personal references to the incumbent avoided?
- Are essential duties (as determined by the ADA) indicated?
- Does the description provide a valuable introduction for a new employee in the position?