Job Description

A job description is a written summary of what is done on a job, how the work is accomplished, and why the work is performed. The purpose of a job description is to convey the essential features of a job to a person not familiar with the job in question. Job descriptions are the most common output of a job analysis and are used for a variety of purposes, including recruitment and selection, training and development, performance appraisal, compensation, and job design.

Distinctions have been made between a job description and a position description. A position description summarizes what one person in an organization does, whereas a job description summarizes a number of related positions. A position description is typically used when an individual performs a ...