Understanding The Job Analysis Process In Recruitment
The two primary areas to thoroughly understand include specific techniques of the job analysis and also the job description format
. By focusing on these key areas you will be in a much better position to tackle the task at hand.
What is job analysis?
Job analysis is a process by which a job is examined to identify its tasks, responsibilities, desired outcomes, and the knowledge, competencies, skills and abilities required to perform it well. Rather than relying on 'instinct' to define a job, job analysis is a formalized process used to accurately measure and document a job.
The purpose of job analysis is to accurately define a job and to produce a document, the 'position description', which can be subsequently used in a variety of human resources functions including remuneration, performance management, training and development, and recruitment processes.
Techniques of job analysis
Some job analysis techniques are relatively straight forward and inexpensive, however others are more complex and thus costly. Some common job analysis techniques include:
* Questionnaires - current job holders can be surveyed via questionnaires to determine the nature of their roles, and the skills required.
* Direct observation - an experienced 'job analyst' will observe a job holder undertake their day to day duties on-the-job, and document these for later analysis.
* Job logs - the job holder keeps a detailed record of their daily, weekly and monthly tasks, which is subsequently collated and analyzed by the job analyst.
* Focus groups and individual interviews - job holders as well as those who are familiar with the job are asked either individually or in discussion groups about their views of the job in question.
All of these techniques can usually be conducted in-house by the organization, preferably by someone who has some experience with human resources and recruitment practices. Sometimes a combination of these techniques will yield the best data.
The job description format
The format of a job description will vary from one organization to another, but essentially they will have similar components. It is important to keep in mind that the ultimate purpose of a job description is for it to be used as a tool for a variety of human resources functions, and not just limited to recruitment processes. Generally though, the position description will typically include the following:
* Job title this reflects the duties of the job and its relative position in the hierarchy of the organization
* Summary statement - is a brief description of purpose of the job and its priorities.
* Tasks and responsibilities - this is a list of the actual tasks performed. It is usually organized in order of the priority or time allocation. Often both qualitative as well as quantitative information is used to help describe the tasks and responsibilities.
* Working conditions and relationships - is a brief description of the type of environment the incumbent works in, for example, the size of the team, who the incumbent reports to, responsibility for other employees, and who the clients are.
* Conditions of employment - this can include remuneration and benefits, travel, hours of work, and so on.
* Qualifications and experience - this is probably the most critical component of a position description when used for recruitment purposes. It is a statement of the types of qualifications and amount of experience required to perform the role.
Once constructed, the job description should allow for some flexibility and the occasional updating and re-working. When used for recruitment purposes, the position description becomes an invaluable document that can be shared among both job applicants and recruiters, paving the way for consistent and accurate selection decisions.
by: Tim Williams
What It Takes To Pass The Police Recruitment Today Advantages Of Online Recruitment Agencies How Online Recruitment Agencies Can Help Employers How To Select The Best Online Recruitment Agency? Why Online Recruitment Is Getting Famous? Low Cost Ways To Increase Your Chances Of Recruitment & A Job An Engineering Recruitment Agency – Online Job Consultant Incorporating Assessments Into Your Sales Recruitment Campaign Alahad Recruitment Group Recruitment Is No Longer Just About Recruitment Consultants, Thankfully... Cabin Crew Recruitment - A Special Job For Special People Sales Recruitment And Training Choosing A Sales Recruitment Company