It is surprising how many industrial age job descriptions are doing the rounds in the IT industry, an industry that is supposed to be leading all other industries in terms of technology. Although job responsibilities still have a place, competencies required should receive more attention and should form the core of the job description. This is according to Compuways IT Professional Search managing director Arnold Graaff.

He says the traditional job description typically consists of a list of job responsibilities in chronological order, as well as a qualification and certification section. “A good place to start is the performance profile of the job. At some point in time, the new candidate`s success will be measured on a performance profile – what will make the person successful or not?

“This performance profile normally contains a lot of information that can be used effectively in a job description when advertising for the position. Every company has customers who buy the products of the company and that the candidate directly or indirectly will play a role in,” says Graaff.