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.