Definition

Noun: A formal document or statement that outlines the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, and reporting relationships of a specific position within an organization. It serves to clarify the role for both the employer and the employee.

Usage

A job description is used in human resources and recruitment to define a role. It is typically written by an employer or manager. - It is used when advertising a vacancy to inform potential candidates. - It is used to set expectations and performance standards for a new or existing employee. - It is used as a reference point for performance evaluations and career development.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Please review the job description carefully before applying for the position.
  • Her manager updated her job description to include new project management duties.
  • A clear job description helps prevent misunderstandings about an employee's role.

Advanced Usage

• "to fall outside one's job description": used to indicate that a task is not part of the formally defined responsibilities of a role.
  • Answering personal calls for the CEO really falls outside my job description.
• "as per the job description": used to refer back to the official document when discussing role requirements.
  • Candidates must have the technical skills listed, as per the job description.

Variants and Related Words

• Job specification (n): Often part of a job description, it focuses specifically on the required skills, experience, education, and personal attributes for the role.
• Role profile (n): A similar term, sometimes used interchangeably with "job description," though it may imply a broader view of the position within the organization.

Synonyms

• Position description (n): A direct synonym for job description.
• Role definition (n): Emphasizes the outlining of the function and scope of the role.

Related Phrases

• Duties and responsibilities: The core section of a job description.
• Scope of work: A phrase that can describe the range of activities covered by a job description.

Noun

1. description of the responsibilities associated with a given job