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Writer's pictureNatalie Goulding, SPHR

Four Reasons Why Job Descriptions are Changing

Updated: Feb 21, 2022


As the workforce becomes increasingly more skill-based, conventional job titles have become less relevant. The days of "typist" or "librarian" are long gone, and many companies realize that old-fashioned job descriptions don't work for today's employees and the digital world. As a result, many employers are opting to utilize skills-based job descriptions rather than task-based ones in order to better attract and retain top talent. This blog post will explore four reasons why this shift is happening!

First, job descriptions that focus on skills rather than tasks make it easier to identify and attract top talent. With traditional task-based job descriptions, employers are often forced to guess which candidates have the required skills. However, with skill-based job descriptions, this guessing game is eliminated. By detailing strictly which skills are necessary for a given position, employers can more easily find applicants who possess those skills - regardless of whether they have the same experience listed in the description. This new approach also meets diversity efforts as titles from roles can be considered from non-traditional positions, which will open doors for those who have been traditionally underrepresented in the workforce, such as women or minorities.

Second, skill-based job descriptions help retain employees by providing a more straightforward path for career growth. When employees understand what is expected of them and how their role contributes to a company's overall success, they are less likely to leave their positions. Furthermore, by detailing the skills required for a given position, employers can create a system in which employees can move up within the company based on their abilities rather than their tenure. Third, skill-based job descriptions facilitate more conversations about changing and evolving skills. To stay competitive, companies need to know which skills are in demand and which ones are becoming obsolete. By utilizing skill-based job descriptions, employers can start discussions about which new skills their workforce will need to learn to remain productive and competitive. This dialogue is essential for ensuring that the company remains agile and prepared for changes in the market.

Finally, skill-based job descriptions optimize the workforce by identifying mismatches between employee skills and organizational requirements. With task-based job descriptions, employers are forced to guess whether or not applicants have the required skills for a given position. However, skill-based job descriptions allow them to specify precisely which qualities they are looking for in an applicant - and weed out candidates who don't meet those criteria before wasting their time interviewing them. This not only saves the company time and money but also allows them to identify potential areas of weakness within their workforce. In conclusion, skill-based job descriptions are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to attract top talent, retain employees, facilitate conversations about skills, and optimize the workforce. If you're looking for a way to improve your hiring process or make your company more agile, consider utilizing skill-based job descriptions! Thank you for reading & click on the link below for more on skill-based hiring.




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