Job Description Components

• Job summary. This section may also be called the “Job Objective” or “Purpose Statement” and consists of a short paragraph of no more than three to four sentences which concisely informs the reader of the nature, level, and objective of the position. It also states the characteristics of the job.
• Job duties. This section may also be called “Tasks Performed”, and may be as lengthy as necessary to fully describe each essential duty or responsibility that comprises the employee's functions, generally starting with principle duties.
• Roles and responsibilities. A role is the set of responsibilities or “soft skills” required to achieve expected results associated with a job. A job usually includes several roles. This section can include supervisory level roles, managerial requirements, and any working relationships.
• Job specifications or qualifications. This section may include required education, experience, knowledge, and skill sets, as well as any criteria related to physical limitations. It usually provides the minimum requirements that are needed for the specific job, or position.
• Key role interactions. This section defines the people and/or departments with which the employee will be required to interact within the course of employment. Though this is not necessarily an exhaustive list, it certainly provides both the interviewer and the applicant a basis of understanding when discussing the position and potential responsibilities.
• Professional skills. This section describes in enough detail the key abilities and experiences required to allow a new hire to function and perform the duties of the job from day one.