Is 'job description' one word or two?

It is a two-word noun phrase, not a compound word. It is rarely hyphenated except when used as a compound modifier (e.g., job-description template).

Who typically writes a job description?

It is usually drafted by a manager or supervisor in collaboration with the Human Resources (HR) department.

Can a job description change after hiring?

Yes, job descriptions can be revised to reflect evolving roles, but this should be done formally and communicated to the employee.

What's the difference between a job description and a person specification?

A job description outlines the duties and responsibilities of the role. A person specification (or 'job specification') lists the required skills, qualifications, and attributes needed to perform the job.

job description

UK/ˈdʒɒb dɪˌskrɪpʃən/US/ˈdʒɑːb dɪˌskrɪpʃən/

Formal/Neutral

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A written statement that lists the duties, responsibilities, conditions, and qualifications required for a specific job.

A formal document used in human resources to define a role for recruitment, performance evaluation, and organizational structure; sometimes used metaphorically to describe informal expectations or roles in life.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

A job description is a static document, distinct from the dynamic process of 'job performance'. It is typically used as a noun phrase and is rarely hyphenated.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minimal. Both varieties use the term identically in professional contexts.

Connotations

Neutral and bureaucratic in both. Implies formality and official HR processes.

Frequency

Equally common and standard in both UK and US corporate and administrative language.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

write adetailedofficialrevise thedraft ainclude in the

medium

clearaccuratecomprehensiveattachedformalstandard

weak

newoldbasicbriefpage

Grammar

Valency Patterns

the job description for [position]a job description of [role]according to the job descriptionlisted in the job description

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

statement of duties

Neutral

role specificationposition descriptionjob profile

Weak

job outlinerole summary

Vocabulary

Antonyms

vague expectationundefined role

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“It's not in my job description (used to refuse tasks perceived as outside one's duties).”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

A formal HR document used for hiring, setting expectations, and legal compliance.

Academic

Used in business studies, organizational psychology, and human resources research.

Everyday

Casually used to discuss the expected tasks of any role, even informally.

Technical

In HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems), a structured data object with defined fields.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

They need to job-describe the new role properly.
We are in the process of job-describing the vacancy.

American English

We should job-describe the position before posting it.
HR is tasked with job-describing all new roles.

adverb

British English

The duties were listed job-description clearly.
He wrote the ad job-description accurately.

American English

She explained the role job-description thoroughly.
The form must be filled out job-description correctly.

adjective

British English

The job-description document was twenty pages long.
She reviewed the job-description details carefully.

American English

He provided a job-description template for the team.
The job-description requirements were quite specific.

Examples

By CEFR Level

My new job description is on the table.
I read the job description.

The job description lists the main duties and required skills.
Please send me the job description for the assistant manager role.

Before applying, you should scrutinise the job description to ensure your experience matches the essential criteria.
Her responsibilities have evolved beyond the original job description.

The tribunal examined whether the dismissal was fair with reference to the employee's job description.
A well-crafted job description not only attracts suitable candidates but also serves as a baseline for performance appraisals.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a DESK with a SCRIPT on it telling you what your JOB is: Job + Desk + Script = Job Description.

Conceptual Metaphor

A MAP OF DUTIES (it charts the territory of the role).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid calquing as 'описание работы' in overly literal contexts where 'должностная инструкция' is the standard professional term.
Do not confuse with 'резюме' (CV/resume), which is a candidate's document, not the employer's specification.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect plural: 'jobs descriptions' (correct: job descriptions).
Misspelling as 'job discription'.
Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He job-described the role').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before the interview, make sure you review the carefully to understand the role's expectations.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the primary purpose of a job description?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is a two-word noun phrase, not a compound word. It is rarely hyphenated except when used as a compound modifier (e.g., job-description template).
: It is usually drafted by a manager or supervisor in collaboration with the Human Resources (HR) department.
: Yes, job descriptions can be revised to reflect evolving roles, but this should be done formally and communicated to the employee.
: A job description outlines the duties and responsibilities of the role. A person specification (or 'job specification') lists the required skills, qualifications, and attributes needed to perform the job.