As economic conditions change, so do the needs of your various departments. Too often, job descriptions remain stagnant and don’t represent the credentials you need to meet today’s goals and objectives.

Take time to include every one of your employees in a job description re-write before the end of the year. Job Descriptions should include duties and responsibilites, minimum skills needed and the “hidden job description.” This describes what a person will experience in each department within your company i.e. “must be able to interact with a very demanding environment.”

Often you have begun to utilize skills not included in the job description and some of those responsibilities can be increased based on the level of talent of each employee. Job descriptions must remain fluid, flexible and continue to be a work in progress. Keeping them updated will greatly assist you when it is time to hire a new employee. It takes time to update job descriptions, but the time wasted by NOT updating them will cost your company much more money in the long run.

Barbara J. Bruno, CPC, CTS

Over the past two or three years, many “marginal” hires were done because of the lack of top talent. The job market will continue to pick up and again there will be incredible competition for top talent. Now is the time to review your current team. Is there a weak link? Is there someone you need to upgrade?

The time to hire is right now, when there is talent available. Individuals who are employed are finally willing to make a career move and highly qualified candidates are entering the job market daily. The most important decision you make is WHO to hire and it is true that you are only as strong as your “weakest” employee. Too often hiring authorities feel their best asset is their “people.” That should be corrected to your best asset are the “right” people you have hired.

Review each employee and determine if you are surrounded by the team that will help you attain the goals you have for the coming months.
If not - upgrade before competition for talent increases.

Barbara J. Bruno, CPC, CTS