Job Analysis and Job Descriptions

The Role of the Job Analyst

Job Analysts traditionally have the following responsibilities:

• Research and plan for the job interview
• Interview the incumbent, a subject matter expert, or the manager
• Complete a job analysis questionnaire
• Write the job description
• Review the recommended job description with the incumbent, subject matter expert, or the manager, and edit as required
• Obtain approval of the job description
• Ensure the job description is loaded to the company’s online job description library

Acceptance of the final job description can be enhanced by ensuring the job incumbents participate in the analysis prior to its completion.

When performed competently, a job analyst who applies effective interviewing can capture the true content of the job and the reason the job exists. Over evaluation of jobs because of poorly written job descriptions is a significant issue which can be prevented through good job analysis.