Hiring in Florida: An 8-Step Blueprint for Firms in the Construction Industry | Step 1. Job Descriptions: Defining the Role and Skills needed

Step 1. Job Descriptions: Defining the Role and Skills needed  

Let’s start with the basics. Before posting a job, reviewing resumes, or scheduling interviews, you need a clear understanding of the role and the person you're looking to hire.

Defining the position upfront helps you stay focused, attract the right candidates, and avoid costly hiring mistakes.

Let’s look at what that process involves, starting with the difference between a job description and a job posting.

Job Description vs. Job Posting: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever used the terms “job description” and “job posting” like they mean the same thing, you’re not alone. But they serve different purposes and mixing them up can lead to hiring headaches.

• Job Description: This is your internal guide. It outlines what the role involves, what skills are needed, and what the person will do day-to-day. Think of it as your hiring blueprint. The job description is a major part of your job posting.

  
  

• Job Posting: This is your ad. It’s what job seekers read online. It should be clear, engaging, and based on the job description.

Why You Need a Job Description

Writing a job description might feel like extra paperwork, but it’s one of the most important steps in hiring. Skip it, and you risk wasting time, attracting the wrong people, and creating confusion on the job site.

In fact, a recent survey found that over a third of job seekers think job descriptions are too vague. That kind of uncertainty can keep qualified candidates from applying.

Here Are Five Reasons Why a Job Description is Important:

1. It Helps You Hire the Right People: Ever read a resume and wonder, “Did they even read the job post?” That’s often a sign the role wasn’t clearly defined.

A good job description:

• Filters out people who aren’t a fit

• Attracts candidates who understand the role

• Makes your job post more targeted

If you’re looking for a faster way to write job descriptions, there are free templates available online that are designed specifically for construction roles. Two helpful resources include:

• Monster.com has 10 free job description templates tailored to the construction industry from general laborers to Construction Supervisors.

• Workable.com also provides editable templates for a wide range of construction positions.

These tools can help you write clear, accurate descriptions without starting from scratch. Just pick the role, adjust the wording to match your needs, and you’re good to go.

2. It Sets Expectations from Day One: When someone joins your team, they should know what’s expected. A job description helps with:

• Outlining daily tasks and goals

• Supporting clear communication between supervisors and crew

3. It Builds Stronger Teams: People work better when they know their role and how it fits into the bigger picture. A clear job description:

• Reduces confusion and overlap

• Attracts candidates who value structure and clarity

4. It Reduces Turnover: Hiring someone who doesn’t understand the role leads to frustration for both sides. A clear job description:

• Sets realistic expectations

• Helps avoid mismatches and improves retention

5. Job Descriptions Aid in Injured Employee Recovery

Here’s how a clear job description helps:

• Claims clarity – Job details keep all parties aligned on physical requirements.

• Effective rehab – Precise descriptions help align therapy with workplace requirements.

• Return-to-work support – Accurate duties help avoid premature return and re-injury.

What to Include in a Job Description

Skip the buzzwords. Be specific so there’s no confusion about the role.

• Job Title - Use a clear, standard title.

• Purpose of the job - Focus on the goal and outcomes, not just the tasks.

• Key Responsibilities – List daily duties, tools, equipment, and materials used.

• Essential Skills and Experience – Include what’s required to succeed. Relate skills directly to job functions when possible.

• Location – Note if travel is required (city, county, or statewide).

• Reporting Structure – Clarify who they report to and work with.

• Licenses or Certifications – List any required credentials

  
  

Why the Job Description Comes Before the Job Posting

Before you write a job ad, you need to know exactly what the role involves. A solid job description helps you:

• Define the position and the type of worker you need

• Set expectations for skills, experience, and work style

• Prepare for interviews with a clear checklist

• Write job posts that attract the right candidates

A well-written job description is the foundation of a detailed job post.  It lays the groundwork for hiring the right person with fewer mismatched applications.  It helps you hire smarter, manage risk, and keep your projects running smoothly. It also protects your business when it comes to insurance, claims, and audits.

In the next article, we’ll explore Step 2: Writing Job Posts: How to Create Ads That Get Noticed.