description

Writing the Perfect Job Description

Need a job description template to simplify the process of developing a job description? This job description template provides a guide for you to use to develop your own job descriptions for your organization.

It's a 1-2-3 step process.

If you're recruiting, then add sections 4 & 5.

Here's a useful job description template to give you a starting point when writing your own job descriptions. There are some great templates online to get you started – because let’s face it, a lot of positions are transferable between different companies and industries. I suggest checking out Workable, Monster or Proven.

1 - Title of Job

2 - Position Description:

Write a one-paragraph description of what the position does within your organization. Think of this as their role.

For example, an Accountant at a small/medium sized company:

The Accountant will handle prepare, compute, manage, research and analyze all accounting data, in order to provide quantitative information on performance, financial position, solvency, liquidity and cash flows of our business to the business owner.

3 - Major Areas of Responsibility

Use bullet points to list the major areas covered by this position.

For example, an Accountant at a small/medium sized company might list responsibilities that include, but are not a comprehensive list, such as these:

The major areas the Accountant manages includes:

  • Manage all accounting operations based on accounting principles
  • Prepare budget and financial forecasts
  • Publish financial statements in time
  • Conduct month-end and year-end close process
  • Collect, analyze and summarize account information
  • Compute taxes and prepare tax returns, balance sheet, profit/loss statement etc
  • Develop periodic reports for management
  • Audit financial transactions and document accounting control procedures
  • Keep information confidential and secure them with random database backups
  • Keep up with financial policies, regulation and legislation

What you have above, is the three simple steps for a great job description.

If you are in a recruitment mode, then you can add to your job description to give details to potential recruits: 

4 - Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

In this section of the job description, list each essential responsibility that the job holder must be able to perform satisfactorily to do the job successfully. Note that these requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Requirements

  • Broad knowledge and experience in:
  • Above average skills in:
  • Excellent skills in:
  • Demonstrated ability to:
  • Demonstrated ability to:
  • Demonstrated ability to:
  • General knowledge of:
  • Experience in:
  • Other:

Education and Experience

  • Degree or equivalent experience:
  • Years of experience:
  • Specialized training in:
  • Active affiliations:
  • Other requirements (certifications and so forth):

5 - Physical Location

Lastly, be clear about where the team member needs to be, and how much of the time they are required in the office or on the road/travelling.

Job descriptions are further covered in Nick's best selling book - Exactly Where You Want To Be: A Business Owner’s Guide to Passion, Profit and Happiness. Pick up your copy of the book on Amazon.