Job Descriptions: An Employers' Handbook: National Occupation Classification
Job Descriptions: An Employers' Handbook: National Occupation Classification
WP-019-03-07E
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Chapter 1. Creating job descriptions that fit your business needs . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2. Using the job descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A. Using job descriptions to evaluate employee performance . . . . . 8 B. Using job descriptions to identify your employees training needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 C. Using job descriptions to hire employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 D. Using job descriptions to help establish pay rates between two or more positions by comparing workloads and their value to the organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Other Useful Internet Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Annex 1 Annex 2 How to use Canadas National Occupational Classification (NOC) search engine available over the Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sample Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Job Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Employee Evaluation Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Job Ad Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Establishing Relative Pay Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
INTRODUCTION
Written specifically for smaller organizations, this Handbook provides information on one of the key aspects of human resources management: job descriptions. This Handbook will explain how: To write job descriptions adapted to your business needs; The National Occupational Classification (NOC) can help you in writing them; and To use the job descriptions for multiple HR-related tasks.
About the National Occupational Classification (NOC) This Handbook is based on using the NOC as the basis for developing job descriptions. Originally created to provide labour market analysts with a common understanding of different jobs found in Canadas world of work, the NOC is used daily by professionals, including career and employment counsellors and human resources specialists. Based on the analysis of the actual work performed by Canadians and using words commonly found in Canadas job market, the NOC, as you will see, is a key tool in helping develop job descriptions adapted to your business needs.
Chapter 1
How the National Occupational Classification (NOC) can help with creating job descriptions
The job descriptions found in the NOC (www.hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca/noc) cover all occupations found in the Canadian labour market and are based on research and interviews with workers, employers and field specialists. An example is shown in Figure A (on page 6). Annex 1 also provides you with information on how to use the NOC search engine available over the Internet. When creating job descriptions for your organization feel free: To adapt the information found in the NOC using your own words to describe the work performed by employees; To combine information from different NOC descriptions to better identify the job performed by your employees, especially if positions in your company have tasks that span more than one occupation.
To clearly define the work performed by employees, job descriptions can also identify specific working conditions that are not listed in the NOC. Examples include: health or safety hazards (e.g. working with dangerous material); shift work or long hours (e.g. overtime); working in unusual conditions (e.g. underground, isolated locations); physical requirements (e.g. lifting, standing for long periods of time); location (e.g. downtown or outside the city); and frequent traveling.
In Annex 2, you will find a sample template for a job description (i.e. Template 2.1). We encourage you to use it and, if need be, to modify it to meet your specific business needs. Remember: job descriptions can be as flexible as you want them to be. With your detailed job descriptions in hand, you can, as we will see in the next chapter, create additional tools to more efficiently manage your human resources.
Figure A
NOC profile for Secretaries
1241 Secretaries (Except Legal and Medical)
Secretaries perform a variety of administrative duties in support of managerial and professional employers. They are employed throughout the private and public sectors.
Example Titles
executive secretary (except Legal and Medical) private secretary secretary (except Legal and Medical) technical secretary >> View all titles
Main duties
Secretaries perform some or all of the following duties: Prepare, key in, edit and proofread correspondence, invoices, presentations, brochures, publications, reports and related material from shorthand, machine dictation and handwritten copy using computers Open and distribute incoming regular and electronic mail and other material and co-ordinate the flow of information internally and with other departments and organizations Schedule and confirm appointments and meetings of employer Order office supplies and maintain inventory Answer telephone and electronic enquiries and relay telephone calls and messages Set up and maintain manual and computerized information filing systems Determine and establish office procedures Greet visitors, ascertain nature of business and direct visitors to employer or appropriate person Record and prepare minutes of meetings Arrange travel schedules and make reservations May compile data, statistics and other information and may conduct research May organize conferences May supervise and train other staff in procedures and in use of current software.
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of a one- or two-year college or other program for secretaries or Previous clerical experience is required.
Classified elsewhere
Court Recorders and Medical Transcriptionists (1244) Executive Assistants (1222) Legal Secretaries (1242) Medical Secretaries (1243) Office managers (in 1221 Administrative Officers)
Classification Structure - 1
Figure B shows an example of a typical job description for a secretary who also works as an administrative assistant. Italicized information comes from the NOC descriptions, while the non-italicized information was added to provide readers with an example of a more practical job description for the position of Secretary.
Figure B
Work Description for Secretary Date: February 3rd, 2006 Main functions: Working at the corporate office, the Secretary supports the work of the owner and assists, when schedule and workload permit, the Director of Production. Reports to: Owner Duties: The Secretary performs the following duties: - Answer telephone and electronic enquiries and relay telephone calls and messages - Greet visitors, ascertain nature of business and direct visitors to employer or appropriate person - Schedule and confirm appointments and meetings of employer - Open and distribute incoming regular and electronic mail and other material and co-ordinate the flow of information internally and with other departments and organizations - Open and administer regular and electronic mail for the owner and follow-up, when required, to ensure proper action is taken on all incoming mail - Prepare, key in, edit and proofread correspondence, invoices, presentations, brochures, publications, reports and related material from shorthand, machine dictation and handwritten copy using computers - Determine and establish office procedures - Order office supplies and maintain inventory - Arrange travel schedules and make reservations - Perform any other duties related to the position of secretary, as directed by the owner and CEO and, when schedule and workload permit, the Director of Production Working conditions: - Workweeks are 5 days, Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day, starting at 8:30 am in the morning - The Secretary is entitled to one hour of paid time for lunch - The Secretary is frequently exposed to noise and a regular flow of people around the office - The Secretary is frequently assigned to changing priorities - The Secretary may be required to work overtime, with paid compensation Employment Requirements: - Completion of secondary school is usually required. - Completion of a one- or two-year college or other program for secretaries - Five years of experience - Proficient spoken and written English - Punctual, meticulous and reliable - Courteous manners with the public
Chapter 2
Listed below is an example of steps to follow to illustrate how you can use your job descriptions to evaluate your employees. Step 1. Step 2. Step 3. From the job description, list the duties you want to evaluate; Describe the level of performance that is expected in ways that can be measured (quality or quantity of work performed) for each of the duties; Make the timing of evaluation clear: annual, monthly or other;
Step 4.
Provide concrete feedback to your employees. A simple rating scale such as did not meet objectives , met objectives and surpassed objectives may be used. Suggest specific ways in which the employee could improve. This could include on-the-job training, certification or change of behaviour. If your employees regularly exceed their work objectives, discuss with them other types of work they might be interested in or qualified for to ensure they continue to be motivated and challenged. This can help your company grow and prosper.
Step 5. Step 6.
Template 2.2 in Annex 2 provides a sample of an evaluation form you can adapt to fit your particular needs.
Continuous improvement and innovation: Organizations need to be constantly aware of new developments taking place in their field of business. A company that identifies and supports the skills development of its employees which has been matched against current and anticipated needs, is a company that increases its chances of not falling behind competitors.
The sample template used to evaluate your employees (i.e. Template 2.2) can also be used in helping determine their training needs.
In Annex 2, Template 2.3, you will find the different information you can include in a detailed job posting. We have also provided you with an example of what a job ad on jobbank.gc.ca looks like.
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D. Using job descriptions to help establish pay rates between two or more positions by comparing workloads and their value to the organization
Job descriptions can help you establish pay rates between positions that seem to be similar, based on the requirements you select. These requirements can include: duties, experience, specific knowledge, certification, evaluation results or client reviews. Template 2.4 in Annex 2 is provided as an example to assist you in comparing positions to establish pay rates, inviting you to assign to each duty and role a value according to difficulty, responsibility and the impact of this position on the success of the organization. Again, feel free to adapt it to better fit your precise business needs. There is no scientific or precise way of deciding exactly what a particular job is worth to a company. Your judgment and what competitors offer for a similar position are key factors to consider when trying to put a dollar value on the work that is taking place in your organization.
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Annexes
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Annex 1
Annex 1 - How to use Canadas National Occupational Classification (NOC) search engine available over the Internet
Available on the NOC Internet site at www.hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca/noc, the search engine allows you to search any information available in the NOC. When on the NOC Internet site, click on Search 2006 on the left side bar. Then use the keyword search function. By keyword, the two most important search criteria are: 1. by the title of the occupation 2. by the duties of the occupation Searching by title To search by title of the occupation, simply: Select both the Group Title and Example Titles boxes to maximize your results Type the title of the occupation in the box Click on the Search button. Your search results will appear automatically
Depending on the title you have entered, you could be provided with multiple results. For example, if you were looking for the description of a sales representative and typed representative, you will be provided with a number of results from which you can select the one more closely matching your needs.
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HOW TO USE CANADAS NOC SEARCH ENGINE AVAILABLE OVER THE INTERNET Annex 1
Searching by duties If you do not know the title of an occupation or cannot find an occupation by searching the title, you may want to do a search based on duties. To do so: Click both the Lead Statement and Main Duties boxes Type the duty in the box Click on the Search button. Your search results will appear automatically
If your search does not provide you with an occupation, modify your keyword. For example, you may want to use database if you are looking for occupations with duties that include using statistics, or payments if you are looking for occupations that handle money.
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Annex 2
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Main functions: Working at the corporate office, the Secretary supports the work of the owner and assists, when schedule and workload permit, the Director of Production Reports to: Owner Duties: Answers telephone and relays calls and messages Greets visitors, enquires the nature of their business and directs them to appropriate person Schedules and confirms appointments and meetings of owner Opens and distribute general company mail and other material, and coordinates the flow of information within the company Opens and administers regular and electronic mail for the owner and follows-up, when required, to ensure proper action is taken on all incoming mail Prepares, edits and proofreads correspondence, invoices and related material Determines and establishes office administrative procedures, following approval by the owner Co-ordinates and manages office services, such as accommodation, equipment and supplies and general office maintenance Arranges travel schedule of owner Performs any other duties related to the position of secretary as directed by the owner and, when schedule and workload permit, the Director of Production
Working conditions: Work weeks are 5 days, Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day, starting at 8h30 in the morning The Secretary is entitled to one hour of paid time for lunch The Secretary is frequently exposed to noise and a regular flow of people around the office The Secretary is frequently assigned to changing priorities The Secretary may be required to work overtime, with paid compensation
Employment Requirements: Completion of a post-secondary program for secretaries / administrative assistant Five years of experience as a Secretary / Administrative Assistant Proficient spoken and written English Punctual, meticulous and reliable Courteous manners with the public
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SECTION 1 - Evaluation Work objectives In this section, list the work objectives that are to be evaluated, taken directly from the job description. Expected Standard List the ways the objectives will be measured. You can include results based on quality, quantity, timeliness, etc. Activities required List the activities that are needed to meet the objectives. This is particularly useful where improvement is required. To help in reaching the work objectives, training and skills updating activities can be added to the activities Evaluation Provide concrete feedback. A simple rating scale may be applied: 1. Did not meet the objectives 2. Met the objectives 3. Surpassed the objectives Areas for Improvement Suggest ways in which the employee can improve. The information may include formal or on-the-job training, supervision by a colleague, changes in behaviour, etc.
SECTION 2 Discussion with employee and targets for the next evaluation 1. What do you consider to be your most important achievements of the past __________? (insert the timeframe: quarter, year, etc)
3. What action could be taken to help you with this / these issue(s)? (answer could include training, coaching, modification to work schedule, etc)
4. The objective(s) for the next evaluation period (based on employee's input and needs of the organization) are:
The first three columns are completed at the start of the evaluation period. The last two columns are completed at the end of the stated timeframe, along with Section 2.
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2. Co-ordinates and manages office services such as accommodation, purchasing equipment and supplies.
2a. New contracts pushing for just in time delivery will be negotiated with suppliers. 2b. Officers will provide expected needs for office furniture, on a monthly basis.
SECTION 2 Discussion with employee and targets for the next evaluation 1. What do you consider to be your most important achievements of the past year? - To have created an office supplies management system that was well received - To have reduced the costs of travelling by signing agreements with hotel chains and car rental companies. 2. What elements of your job do you consider the most difficult? - To have a role in detailing the invoicing. 3. What action could be taken to help you with this / these issue(s)? - Each officer should be responsible for creating, from a common system, the invoices under his/her responsibility. I should only be responsible for filing the invoices. 4. The objective(s) for the next evaluation are: - Creation of a new system for classifying and organizing legal and governmental papers (including taxes) in order to assist the accounting firm. - Creation of a guide on administration rules and procedures for employees.
The first three columns are completed at the start of the evaluation period. The last two columns are completed at the end of the stated timeframe, along with Section 2. As a result of the evaluation, training needs have been identified. The objectives listed in Section 2 would then be listed in Section 1 of a new evaluation for the next period, i.e. the cycle repeats.
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1. Job title 2. Conditions of employment (permanent, full time, part time, day, evening, working with hazardous material, etc) 3. Salary / Wage (annual / hourly) 4. Start date 5. Location of employment 6. Education required 7. Experience 8. Languages (spoken, read, written) 9. Work settings (private or public sector, not-for-profit organization) 10. Business equipment to be used (software (e.g. database, accounting, word processing), electronic equipment (e.g. wireless agenda and email device)) 11. Special requirements (e.g. for a secretary, how many words per minute) 12. Technical knowledge 13. Areas of specialization within the occupation 14. Any other specific skills 15. Security and safety requirements 16. Transportation 17. Work conditions and physical capabilities 18. Essential Skills (see www.hrsdc.gc.ca/essentialskills)
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Job Advertisement
Advertisement number: 851065 Title: Truck driver (Straight Truck) (NOC: 7411) Terms of Employment: Permanent, Full Time Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible Location: Nepean, Ontario (2 vacancies) Skill Requirements: Education: Not applicable Credentials (certificates, licenses, memberships, courses etc.): Drivers (Class 3 or D), Air Brake (Z) Endorsement, Forklift Operator Certification Experience: 0-6 months Languages: Speak English, Read English, Write English Type of Trucking and Equipment: Straight truck (4600 kg+ or 10,000 lbs+ with 3+ axles) Specific Skills: Operate and drive straight or articulated trucks to transport goods and materials, loading and unloading of goods Security and Safety: Driving record check Work conditions and Physical Capabilities: Physically demanding Transportation/Travel Information: Valid driver s licence Other Information: Delivery of building materials. (Roofing) Inventory counting and control. Must have good driving record. Employer: Any Name Building Materials How to apply: By Fax: (613) 555-3222 Business Profile: Retail/Wholesale Building Materials Advertised until: 2006/12/02 This job advertisement has been provided by an external employer. Service Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, authenticity or reliability of the content.
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2.4 Establishing Relative Pay Rates between Two or More Positions by Comparing Workloads and their Value to the Organization
For each duty, requirement and the evaluation, determine a value ranging from 1 to 5 and add the total points given to each of the items you have evaluated.
Rating (1 to 5)
Rating (1 to 5)
Total
2
Total Grand total Total Grand total
For each duty, give a 1 to 5 rating based on both the difficulty of the duty and the importance of the duty for the organization. For each requirement, give a 1 to 5 rating based on the importance of the knowledge/ technical expertise, the management requirements (e.g. participation in management meetings, number of employees to supervize) and the impact of the job on personal life (e.g. frequent overtime, travelling, tight deadlines, certification, etc).
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Position 1 Production and quality control management Main duties Meets with clients to determine needs and evaluate course of action
Rating (1 to 5)
Rating (1 to 5)
Determines method of shipment and arrange shipping; prepare bills of lading, customs forms, invoices and other shipping documents Assembles and unpacks and pack goods, records contents and affix information Inspects incoming goods against documents, records shortages and rejects damaged goods Oversees loading and unloading and routes incoming goods to appropriate area Manages warehouse and ensures cleanliness of area Total Job requirements
Establishes worksheets according to specifications and create work order Operates machinery to create goods
Randomly tests produced goods to ensure quality Responsible for budget management of each project Total Job requirements Participates in management board meetings Supervises 2 employees Frequently works overtime and deals with very tight deadlines Total Grand Total
2 10
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4 2 3 9 25
Participates in management board meetings Supervises 1 employee Forklift certification Total Grand Total
4 2 1
7 17
Conclusion Based on the comparison of the main duties and job requirements, the responsibilities of meeting with clients and managing budget are the key factors contributing to the salary difference between the two positions.
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