Template for a Job Description

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Template for a Job Description

Job descriptions in any business should be structured with a common template and follow the same flow. Uniform job descriptions will include the same data on each of the company’s job descriptions.
General Information
The job description should begin with a section outlining basic job information. This description may include information such as job title, department and location of the job. The administrative hierarchy is often outlined in this description but may be spelled out in a separate section. Optional items may include salary and job classification or grade. See Sample Job Description Template in Resources.
Basic sections to a job description may include the following:
Key Responsibilities
Each job description will include a list of the job’s responsibilities. This list is a detailed summary of the job’s tasks. The list is structured in a logical manner, most often listed from major or most important tasks or responsibilities to minor or tasks or responsibilities of lesser importance.
Each listed item should include a brief description of the task or responsibility consisting of a few sentences in the format of paragraphs or bullet points.
Job Requirements
Each job has specific requirements. These requirements should be included in the job description. The requirements may include
  • Education
  • Physical requirements
  • Skills
  • Knowledge
Each section may include the minimum and preferred requirements for the position. Preferred requirements may be qualities which are a higher level than minimum requirements. Education may have tiered requirements with the preferred being a higher level of achievement. For example, “minimum of associate degree required, bachelor degree preferred.”
Physical requirements are designated as required minimum ability. Some examples include the ability to lift or carry a minimum weight or stand for a specific period of time.
Specialized skills or knowledge will be specified in the job description. This may include skills that requiring special training or experience. The specific skills are integral to the position and often those required to successfully perform the job.
Creating a Job Description
Creating a job description should begin with a template. A template will structure each document the same and assist with inclusion of all vital information. At the time of creation, the author will consider the position's goals and what is necessary to accomplish the goals. Accomplishment of specific goals may be structured by the responsibilities of the position. A percentage is assigned to each goal and responsibility This assists with establishing the importance of each task or job responsibility. This data can be structured into the job description for each position.