What is a job description?

Job description

Job descriptions are used in a variety of settings to communicate the expectations, responsibilities, and qualifications for a particular role.

What are job descriptions used for? 

In some cases, job descriptions may be written by the employer in order to post a vacant position. In other cases, employees may be asked to write their own job descriptions as part of a performance review or professional development process. Regardless of who writes them, job descriptions typically include information about the duties of the role, the skills and experience required, and the compensation.

Interested in Oyster but want more information about how the platform works? This product overview should help.

How do you write a job description? 

Job descriptions can be helpful in clarifying expectations and identifying areas of opportunity for growth. For employers, well-written job descriptions can also help to attract qualified candidates. When writing a job description, it is important to be clear and concise. The best way to do this is to list the duties of the job in order of importance, starting with the most essential tasks. You should also avoid using jargon or acronyms, as these can be confusing for people who are not familiar with your company or industry.

The goal is to provide enough information to give potential applicants a good sense of what the role entails, without overwhelming them with too many details. Job descriptions should also be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they remain accurate and up-to-date.

About Oyster

Oyster is a global employment platform designed to enable visionary HR leaders to find, hire, pay, manage, develop, and take care of a thriving distributed workforce. Oyster lets growing companies give valued international team members the experience they deserve, without the usual headaches and expense.

Oyster enables hiring anywhere in the world—with reliable, compliant payroll, and great local benefits and perks.