Job Posting vs. Job Description
Organizations use three essential documents to recruit and retain employees: a job posting, a job description, and a position description. It is often widespread practice to use the three terms interchangeably. However, these documents are distinct and have different applications in business.
First, a job posting is a brief advertisement to entice potential candidates to apply for a position. Job descriptions are documents that detail an employee’s high-level duties, responsibilities, and minimum requirements to be successful in that job. Finally, a position description goes into greater detail about a position’s day-to-day tasks, duties, and expectations.
Key Differences Between Job Posting, Job Description, and Position Description
| |
Job Posting |
Job Description |
Position Description |
| Purpose |
| Informs candidates of a job opening and advertises the job as appealing. A promotional tool. |
|
| Describes the core essential duties and responsibilities assigned to a position and the minimum qualifications required. Not an advertisement. |
|
| Describes the detailed duties of a position and is used for setting expectations and performance evaluations. |
|
| Tone |
| Informal, engaging to candidates. |
|
| Informative, outlining high-level duties. |
|
| Informative, detailed, and used as a guide for employees and leaders. |
|
| Audience |
Internal and External |
Internal |
Internal |
| Length |
|
| Shorter than a position description but longer than a job posting. |
|
| Longer, meant to provide in-depth detail on job success factors. |
|
| Example of Questions Answered |
| What is it like to work at the company? What will I do in this role? Are my skills a good fit? |
|
| What are the main duties? Which qualifications must I have? What is the scope of my role? |
|
| What specific tasks will I be doing? How does success look? Who do I interact with and report to? |
|
Understanding the differences between these documents helps organizations create clear, effective communication around job roles, ensuring candidates and employees have a strong understanding of expectations and responsibilities.