A Tip for Hiring Managers: Clarity in Job Descriptions

I have recently read various job descriptions. I was reminded of a time where the descriptions were so vague at a company where I once worked - that most times, the new employees were confused about what it was their jobs actually entailed. Recently, I gave a piece of advice to a former colleague of mine. I advised her to edit the job descriptions by improving the clarity of position description. Also, I urged her to include the day in and day out duties for which the new hire was responsible. Once a new hire is comfortable with the duties they are given, they have guidelines to follow that will increase their sense of self esteem regarding the position; and then, their accuracy with the tasks.

I have seen many job descriptions that are written in more of a "big picture" way and exclude the job duties in detail. The best thing a hiring manager can do to help get their new hire going is this; provide the exact tasks and expected outcomes for the position. This lessens the time needed for employee training. Also, even at the very beginning of the process, the employer will receive inquiries that are more closely fitted to the description since applicants have a clear understanding of the duties involved. All in all, clarity on the part of the employer is key; both in the beginning of a search through the training process.

Make that resolution work!

It's a new year; the time when people select and attempt to create and follow their resolutions for the new year. We've all heard about people who do this. Most, if not all of us have probably attempted it. I've asked a few of my friends and colleagues what they have chosen to be their resolution this new year. Most of them told me that their resolution was "to lose weight". Sometime a few years ago, I have either read a great article from a magazine, watched an inspiring television show, or had a fruitful conversation which brought some wisdom to me regarding changing your habits. Allow me to share.

Looking at this from a communications angle, the statement regarding a New Year's resolution could use a little work.

For example when someone says their resolution is "to lose weight" there is one incredibly narrowing statement that can change the entire outcome of the situation for the better.

Read:
Weak: My resolution is to lose weight.
Strong: My resolution is to increase the number of days I work out, so I can lose weight.

Of course, losing weight is a goal, however when the statement is broken down and you change it to reflect the way in which you will alter your habits - it becomes more of a proactive statement vs. a passive one; and it will become a more attainable goal. In order to obtain your goal, you must change your lifestyle. It's a simple science formula; you cannot possibly obtain different results if you keep doing the same practices. Change your habits and make that resolution work!

Hiring a culturally diverse team, two skill sets in one.

As the first post of the year 2010, I'm inclined to write about something that has come up in conversation several times recently between myself and my colleagues; ethnically diverse staff and the unspoken strengths they bring to business. What most people who do not have a diverse background may not understand, is that people who have a different background culturally or ethnically have an entire other audience they can tap into when it comes to business deals. People who are African American, Italian, Greek, Polish, etc. are at a strong advantage when it comes to reaching and developing business with audiences of people who find that they can relate to the person due to their similar backgrounds. For example, African Americans can speak two types of English. In business, it's the professional, the college educated language they use around co-workers and colleagues. However, if they are entering a potential business situation with a group of people who, at the most have only a partial high school education, they can alter the way they speak English in order to make the audience feel more comfortable. It's still English, only altered with a heavy use of slang which is common for the neighborhood or culture. From what I have learned in my life, people will decide if they like you in merely minutes - if not seconds. For a professional who can reach not only one main market, but can also tap an entirely new market for business, it's a skill that not many understand. An audience of Greek individuals will more likely give their business to someone of Greek decent. It may sound odd, but it's true plain and simple for most culturally diverse groups. As a savvy business professional, you must understand that there are places that someone like that can and will go that others may not. There is an entire market that diverse business people can reach that others cannot. Use this information wisely to advance your business goals.