Job Descriptions Job Descriptions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which section of a job description typically lists the day-to-day tasks an employee will perform?
- Job title
- Essential functions (Correct answer)
- Compensation range
- Reporting structure
Correct answer: Essential functions
The essential functions section outlines the primary duties and responsibilities the employee is expected to perform regularly.
Question 2: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), why is it important to distinguish 'essential' from 'marginal' job functions?
- To set pay grades accurately
- To determine which functions must be performed vs. those that can be modified as accommodations (Correct answer)
- To establish seniority rights
- To comply with OSHA safety standards
Correct answer: To determine which functions must be performed vs. those that can be modified as accommodations
The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for marginal functions but not for essential functions if doing so would cause undue hardship.
Question 3: A job description states candidates must have '5 years of experience.' Under EEOC guidelines, what risk does this create?
- It may violate minimum wage laws
- It could have a disparate impact on younger workers protected under the ADEA (Correct answer)
- It exposes the company to OSHA violations
- It invalidates the entire job description
Correct answer: It could have a disparate impact on younger workers protected under the ADEA
Arbitrary experience requirements can screen out protected classes and may be challenged if they are not demonstrably job-related.
Question 4: What does a FLSA exemption status designation in a job description indicate?
- Whether the role qualifies for overtime pay (Correct answer)
- The employee's eligibility for health benefits
- The frequency of performance reviews
- The job's physical demand level
Correct answer: Whether the role qualifies for overtime pay
FLSA exemption status tells whether a position is exempt (salaried, no overtime) or non-exempt (hourly, eligible for overtime) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Question 5: Which element is most critical to include when writing the physical requirements section of a job description?
- Employee's preferred work schedule
- Specific physical tasks such as lifting weight limits or standing duration (Correct answer)
- Names of supervisors
- Office location amenities
Correct answer: Specific physical tasks such as lifting weight limits or standing duration
Specific physical requirements, like 'must lift up to 50 lbs,' are legally important for ADA compliance and setting accurate expectations.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of including a 'work environment' section in a job description?
- To describe company culture for marketing purposes
- To inform candidates of conditions such as noise levels, hazards, or remote vs. on-site expectations (Correct answer)
- To list employee perks and benefits
- To outline the career growth path
Correct answer: To inform candidates of conditions such as noise levels, hazards, or remote vs. on-site expectations
The work environment section sets realistic expectations about physical and environmental conditions so candidates can self-select appropriately.
Question 7: Why should job descriptions avoid using gendered language such as 'salesman' or 'stewardess'?
- It reduces the word count
- Gendered language can deter qualified applicants and may constitute discriminatory job advertising under Title VII (Correct answer)
- It simplifies translation
- It is required by OSHA
Correct answer: Gendered language can deter qualified applicants and may constitute discriminatory job advertising under Title VII
Using gender-neutral language like 'sales representative' or 'flight attendant' ensures the posting is inclusive and compliant with anti-discrimination law.
Job Descriptions Job Descriptions 2
Which section of a job description typically lists the day-to-day tasks an employee will perform?