The Right Job Description Can Make Or Break A Job Search

Whether you are hiring or searching, there may be no more important element to the process than the job description. As we have discovered over the years, a well thought out job description can make all the difference in finding the right fit for both the employer and employee.

Franchisors in search of candidates occasionally contact us because they want job descriptions that are more than generic, such as "we want someone to sell more franchises" or “we need someone who can work in the field with franchisees" or "we need someone who is good at finding premium real estate sites."

While this does tell what is expected of candidates, it doesn’t provide the detail needed to help candidates determine if he or she is a good fit for the position. As a result, the franchisor often ends up with many under- or overqualified candidates who may have thought they were perfect for that position, but ultimately didn't have the qualifications the franchisor was really seeking.

So, what makes an ideal job description? Based on our experience, the best way to create an effective job description is to start with a blank screen and carefully identify and review as many specific elements of the position, such as:

• Job title
• Who will this person report to? 
• What is the purpose of the position?
• What are the primary duties and responsibilities of this position?
• If you had to list the four most important criteria of the position, what would they be?What, realistically, are the specific requirements of the position?
• Is the compensation in line with the scope of the position?

If you are a franchisor, think in terms of what the ideal candidate will want to know. Candidates are attracted to join a new franchise system for a variety of reasons, asking questions like:

• Is the concept exciting/unique?
• Is the company in a growth-related segment of the industry or in a mature, proven segment?
• Is there opportunity for increased responsibilities and earnings?
• Will I be able to make a significant contribution to the company?
• Is the corporate culture attractive?
• Are the goals or metrics of the position realistic?
• What has been the average longevity of current staff?

If you’re a candidate, spend some time really delving into the job description and be honest with yourself. Do you fit the requirements? Does this sound like the type of company you would want to work for?

Better yet, whether a franchisor or candidate, don't do it yourself. Seek input from your networking group, other key franchise executives and/or an experienced recruiting firm, like Franchise Search Inc., who speaks every day with candidates in search of the right fit.

For all involved, the ultimate goal is to find the ideal person for the position and, in turn, find a company that will permit candidates to reach their full potential.

Regardless of the position, spending time on crafting a job description goes a long way towards accelerating the search process.