Activity 2

Please note: these activities are for your own individual learning and are not to be submitted to the teachers.

Writing job descriptions

Write a job description for each of the positions below. As you don't have the complete job analysis and background company information, you will have to use your knowledge of the type of work and your imagination. Make up any details that you are unsure of.

Use a different format for each position as suggested below.

Sales person in a small clothing store. This is a full-time role with no supervisory responsibilities. There will usually be a supervisor present but the position may be unsupervised for short periods such as when the supervisor is on a break. There may be a requirement to count the day's takings on some days. Hours may include any time the shop is open (e.g. Saturdays).

Use the first layout described earlier for this job description-listing duties/responsibilities.

Secretary for a human resources general manager. This is a full-time role involving general secretarial duties, with the added importance of confidentiality when working in the human resources department. Although the position reports to the general manager, it is to provide secretarial support to the whole department of four managers/officers.

Use the second layout described above for this job description-including standards and measurements.

Now check your work using the checklist below.

Checklist

Job title and department, if relevant

                                             

Reporting relationships

                                           

Included special conditions such as shift work

Other sections included to increase usefulness (e.g. position summary and key responsibilities)

Focus on outcomes rather than methods

Avoided 'Other duties as requested'

Measurable standards are used

Tasks listed in order of importance

Layout and headings increase clarity