A good job description should include a company overview and job overview, as well as an explanation of the associated responsibilities, skills & qualifications, and work environment. Below are some general guidelines for writing each of these sections effectively.
1. COMPANY OVERVIEW
Providing an accurate, concise description of your business is a great way to attract the right employees. Think of this section as an advertisement for your company -- why should prospective employees want to join your team?
Some useful things to include here are:
- Core company values
- Mission statement
- Brief history of your organization
- Anticipated growth
- Business goals
2. JOB OVERVIEW
In a few sentences, describe the purpose, importance, and fundamental qualities of the position being offered. No need to be too specific or comprehensive here -- the idea is to provide a zoomed-out image of the role the applicant would be filling in your company.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
This is where you’ll outline the specific day-to-day responsibilities of the job. Bullet-point format is typically the most practical way to present this information.
4. NECESSARY SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
List in bulleted format the skills & qualifications that are absolutely essential to this position. Consider as many specific conditions of the job as possible in order to create a complete list of qualifications an applicant must have in order to succeed.
5. PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
List in bulleted format the skills & qualifications that are not essential, but would make an applicant more eligible for the position being offered.
6. WORK ENVIRONMENT
Describe the environment in which the applicant would be spending most of their time. In this description, include information about:
- Company culture
- Pace of work
- Amount of collaborative vs. independent activity
- Who the employee will report to (or vice versa)
Below is our host job description. You can post it as-is to an online job board like ZipRecruiter, or download and customize it to match the unique aspects of your business. Keep in mind that adding a custom company overview and description of the work environment (outlined above) will help you draw in the right applicants.
Host Job Description
Job Overview:
We are seeking a host/hostess to give our guests a positive first impression as soon as they arrive. In addition to greeting guests, the host is responsible for documenting guest names, managing reservations and waiting lists, and assisting front-of-house staff in their duties.
We want our guests to leave feeling fulfilled and confident that their business is important to us. The ideal candidate is energetic and able to carry a natural conversation with guests without being intrusive. When time permits, the Host should answer phone calls, fill to-go orders, refill glasses, and clear tables.
Responsibilities:
- Greeting incoming guests and thanking departing guests
- Escorting customers to dining table; presenting menus; announcing Server’s name
- Managing the flow of the restaurant by ensuring a balance between guest seating and kitchen times
- Answering incoming calls and delivering messages appropriately
- Maintaining awareness of guests’ needs throughout their dining experience
- Adhering to safety, sanitation, and alcohol control policies
- Helping clear and set dining tables
- Receiving cash and credit card payments, when necessary
Necessary Skills & Qualifications:
- Upbeat and positive personality
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for an entire shift
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs
- A desire to work as part of a part of a team to provide extraordinary service
- Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
- Strong desire to learn
- Flexible schedule
- Reliable transportation
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Preferred Skills & Qualifications:
- 6 months of experience in a full-service restaurant
- Of legal age to serve alcohol
- Food handlers certificate—will provide the necessary training if the candidate meets all other requirements
- Ability to work 25+ hours per week
Create a free account with ZipRecruiter to post this job description to their online job board.
Post to ZipRecruiterENSURE LEGAL COMPLIANCE
Hiring employees can be an intimidating and time-consuming process, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve created a hiring compliance checklist to help you get over the legal hurdles with ease. From obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to confirming work eligibility, our guide covers everything you need to know.
SET UP PAYROLL
Even if your business only has a few employees, setting up a payroll service can save you time for running your business and also ensure that your company is compliant with important federal requirements, such as employee withholding.
We recommend Gusto, a user-friendly payroll platform for small businesses. Try out their services and get one month free.
ACQUIRE WORKERS' COMP INSURANCE
Workers’ compensation insurance provides financial and legal protection for your business and its employees.
Whether or not you need workers’ comp insurance for your company depends on the nature of the job, the employer-employee relationship, and the unique regulations of your state.