Job description – definition & template

A job description is also called a position description, job description or functional description. It contains all relevant information for a specific position.

A job description is also called a position description, job description or functional description. It contains all relevant information for a specific position. 

What is a job description?

The job description is an internal document that is not made public. Unlike a job advertisement that is posted on a job portal or the Career Page is published to make a suitable applicant aware of a vacant position in the company. 

A job description describes and characterizes a position in a company and documents the associated tasks and responsibilities - regardless of the current or potential job holder. The organizational integration in the company and the management responsibility are also structured and recorded in this document. The skills required for the job can be derived from these descriptions.

Job Description Template

What should be included in a job description? You can use this template as a guide:

  • Job title
  • function
  • Job holder
  • Direct supervisor
  • Main tasks
  • Secondary tasks
  • Job objective(s)
  • Competencies of the job holder
  • Powers of the post holder
  • Duties of the post holder

Furthermore, the description can be supplemented with details such as deputy or budget area for which the person is responsible.

It is of course important that the job description is always kept up to date once it has been created. After all, requirements and processes related to the position in question can change over time.

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