Job descriptions usually omit references to one crucial element described in this article: … [+]
getty
Most job postings do an excellent job in explaining exactly what a successful applicant needs to know and be able to do. Knowledge and skill are important, but they’re not sufficient. To be a great member of the team, a person applying to work for you also needs to be honest and accountable.
Why, then, aren’t you looking for people with these qualities?
Let’s take a closer look.
A typical job description
Do the jobs you’re posting look like this ad?
getty
Let’s suppose your organization is looking for an accountant. This is what the heart of the job posting probably looks like. What follows is an amalgam of several different postings currently online (without any references to the organizations themselves).
Qualifications
- At least three years of accounting experience
- Proficiency in Excel and QuickBooks
- Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, organization and time management skills
- A passion for success
- Proven understanding of finance and accounting principles
The employer is looking for two kinds of things in a financial professional: knowledge and skill. On a scale from one to ten, with one being completely unimportant and ten being essential, how critical is it for a new member on your team to be knowledgeable and skilled?
…
