I was reading a really interesting article in Forbes by Lou Adler, who I happen to think is very smart, about a time he helped a client recognize what he was looking to get done, as opposed to looking for a unicorn who could do everything. This is something we encounter a great deal in our work in talent acquisition. A big part of it, is defining what the person you hire is supposed to accomplish. It got me to thinking….
I’ve never been a huge fan of business/ self-help books – I’m pretty sure someone a one minute manager hit a tipping point and moved your cheese into your chicken soup, because. That said, I also know a good idea when I hear one (or, when I refuse to acknowledge it, fail catastrophically, and then say “Oh, what a good idea, I’m glad I recognized it…”). One of them is from the 7 Habits. It’s very appropriate when it comes to writing job descriptions, and I’ve told many a client this: begin with the end in mind.
What do you want this role to achieve? From there, pull back. How can that be achieved – by what actions? Then, work back, and find people who have demonstrated they can take those types of actions, successfully. Even if the ends they were achieving were not the exact same as the client was looking for, the abilities inherent in their ability to take those tactical actions are transferable quite often. It usually comes down to a base level knowledge of the industry, smarts, the ability to think around corners, creativity, and communication skills.
Once you have that lined up, it’s pretty likely your client (internal or external) is going to have the same “that’s what I meant to say” reaction – and that’s a good thing. It means your lined up, and you can define your search a whoooole lot better.
It’s not magical, really, but it gets people on-point, and away from getting lost in bullet after bullet of “requirements”. I mean, everyone loves a unicorn – especially the Scots, oddly enough – but… nobody likes hunting them.
And this picture… this is simply what the Internet’s given us…
09/22/2014 at 7:40 am
The important part regarding job description is all about making it understandable from layman’s perspective as well. I have always tested the call to actions, but always have put the description part precise and understandable.
09/22/2014 at 7:45 am
Great point – if the role can’t be clearly communicated, then you’re doing it wrong.
06/30/2015 at 8:55 am
Like this position for a 16 hour a week job.
The Position:
The Librarian performs professional duties related to providing library collections and services for the University community. This is a part time position. The schedule will be 4 mornings a week, 8:30 am to approximately 12:30 pm.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform library Collection Development and Collection Management tasks including but not limited to:
Select library materials for acquisition – physical and electronic monographic and serial materials, databases, websites, etc.
Monitor library materials expenditures
Develop approval plans
Implement electronic reserves services
Monitor product and service interfaces and making adjustments as warranted
Guide Library patrons in the use of library resources and research by:
Provide one-on-one reference service in person, via phone, email, “ask” service, texting, chat, and/or other developing technologies or modes of communication
Teach library classes
Create guides to library research
Develop content for library web pages
Perform cataloging and metadata services for library materials both physical and electronic
Train cataloging support staff and review their work
Ensure the integrity of the OPAC
Participate in study, analysis and review of developments in the cataloging and metadata fields and contribute to departmental decisions regarding their implementation
Plan utilization of library space, facilities and projects
Stay current with developments in the library profession, research trends and methods and modes of scholarly communication
Exhibit initiative in promoting the integration of new approaches and technologies into the University’s library services
Engage in research and professional activities such as publication, lectures, participation in library organizations and meetings, etc.
Perform other related duties as assigned
Interface with students, faculty, staff and visitors
Interact with Library staff members, staff in other University departments, vendors and library systems support services
Advise beginners as well as advanced graduate students and academics on matters related to scholarship and research, which requires independent motivation, judgment and professionalism
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience and Educational Background:
Master’s Degree in Library Science and related experience
Hebrew language skills preferred
Skills and Competencies:
Excellent grasp of library principles, processes, software, technology and resources
Ability to learn new techniques and adapt to new paradigms
Expertise in at least one academic discipline
Excellent listening and communications skills
Customer service demeanor and patience when dealing with patrons
Accuracy, thoroughness, precision, ability to focus on detail without losing sight of the big picture
Should project a positive attitude about the Library and the University when interacting with Library patrons
Self-discipline and judgment are essential as work will often be performed in the absence of a supervisor