PROCESS of Job Analysis
PROCESS of Job Analysis
A job description is a useful, plain-language tool that describes the tasks, duties, functions and
responsibilities of a position. It outlines the details of who performs the specific type of work, how that
work is to be completed, and the frequency and the purpose of the work as it relates to the company’s
mission and goals. Job descriptions are used for a variety of reasons, such as a tool for recruiting,
determining salary levels, conducting performance reviews, clarifying missions, establishing titles and
pay grades and creating reasonable accommodation controls, as well as for career planning, training
exercises and legal requirements for compliance purposes. A job description gives an employee a very
clear and concise resource to be used as a guide for job performance. Likewise, a supervisor can use a
job description as a measuring tool to ensure that the employee is meeting job expectations.
This process of gathering, examining and interpreting data about the job’s tasks will supply accurate
information about the job so that a company can perform efficiently.
•Interview employees to find out exactly what tasks are being performed.
•Collect data on jobs from other resources such as salary surveys or the Occupational Outlook
Handbook.
•The results should be documented and reviewed by the employee that is currently in the position—and
his or her supervisor—for any changes regarding the knowledge, skills, abilities, physical requirements,
environmental factors and credentials/experience of the position:
•Physical Conditions—the physical attributes an employee must have in order to perform the job duties
with or without a reasonable accommodation.
•Minimum Qualification—the minimum level of education, experience and certifications acceptable for
the position.
Step 2: Establish the essential functions
Once the performance standard for a particular job has been made, essential functions of the position
must be defined.
•Ensure that the tasks as part of the job function are truly necessary or a requirement in order to
perform the job.
•Determine the frequency at which the task is performed or how much time is spent performing a task.
•Determine the consequences of not performing the function and whether this would be detrimental to
the company’s operation or result in severe consequences.
The structure of the job description may vary from company to company; however, all of the job
descriptions within a company should be standardized so that they have the same appearance. The
following topics should be included:
•Quality and quantity standards—minimum levels required to meet the job requirements.
It is a good idea to add a statement that indicates that the job description is not designed to cover or
contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.
Step 6: Finalize
Draft the job description for upper management review and approval. A draft allows upper management
a chance to review, add or subtract any detail before the final job description is used for employees and
management.
Once returned from management, the job description should be revamped and reformatted with any
changes. It should be sent to management one final time for final approval and signatures. The final job
descriptions should be kept in a secure location and copies used for job postings, interviews,
compensation reviews, and performance appraisals. Employers may also wish to post them on the
company’s intranet.