Page 111 - Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies

8: Recruitment, selection and training of workers

Job description
KEY TERM
A job description is a written document that provides all the details about what
Job description: a list of the a job involves. It is usually prepared by the Human Resource Department with
key points about a job, job title, input from the manager of the department which has the vacancy. It will be sent
key duties, responsibility and
to anyone interested in applying for the job and should help to attract the best
accountability.
applicants for the job.
A job description needs to include:

■ Job title – for example, Sales and Marketing Executive.

TOP TIP ■ The main duties of the post – for example, plan and carry out marketing activities
Remember that a job description to agreed budgets and timescales.
is mainly used to help ■ Responsibilities – who the job holder is responsible for supervising/managing.
management decide what the job
■ Accountability – who the job holder reports to.
involves and to help select the
applicant who best matches the
An example of a simple job description is shown in Figure 8.3.
requirements of the job.

Title: Sales and Marketing Executive
Job purpose: To plan and carry out direct marketing and sales activities, so as to
maintain and develop sales, in accordance with agreed business plans.

Key duties:
1. Maintain and develop a computerised customer database.
2. Plan and carry out direct marketing activities to agreed budgets and timescales.
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3. Develop ideas and create offers for direct mail and marketing to major accounts.
4. Respond to and follow up sales enquiries by post, telephone, and personal visits.
5. Monitor and report on activities and provide relevant management information.
6. Carry out market research, competitor and customer surveys.
7. Attend training to develop relevant knowledge and skills.

Responsible for: Sales and Marketing Assistant
Accountable to: Sales and Marketing Director

Figure 8.3 An example of a job description

Person specification
A person specifi cation is a written document that is usually produced by the
Human Resource Department with input from the relevant manager. It is an
KEY TERM

analysis of the type of qualifications, skills, experience and personal qualities the
Person specification: a list business is looking for in applicants. Some businesses provide applicants with a
of the qualifications, skills,

person specification to help them understand the type of person they are looking
experience and personal qualities
looked for in a successful for and hopefully attract only those applicants with the right level of skills,
applicant. experience and personal qualities. Other businesses use the person specifi cation to
help in the selection process.