USA Job Analysis and Descriptions 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary risk of using a job description that is significantly outdated?
- It may lead to selecting candidates for duties the job no longer requires, and may not hold up in legal challenges (Correct answer)
- It will automatically disqualify the position from pay grade evaluations
- It prevents the job from being posted on internal job boards
- It triggers an automatic OSHA audit of the role
Correct answer: It may lead to selecting candidates for duties the job no longer requires, and may not hold up in legal challenges
Outdated job descriptions can cause poor hiring decisions and weaken legal defenses in discrimination or accommodation claims.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a 'behaviorally anchored' description of a job duty?
- 'Resolves customer complaints by investigating issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions within 24 hours' (Correct answer)
- 'Handles customer service responsibilities as needed'
- 'Provides excellent customer service at all times'
- 'Is responsible for customer satisfaction metrics'
Correct answer: 'Resolves customer complaints by investigating issues, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions within 24 hours'
Behavioral anchoring ties a duty to specific, observable actions and measurable outcomes, making it far more useful for selection and performance management.
Question 3: The O*NET database is primarily used for which purpose in HR practice?
- Providing standardized occupational information including tasks, KSAs, and work context for job analysis (Correct answer)
- Processing payroll and benefits data for federal employees
- Filing EEO-1 reports with the EEOC
- Tracking applicant flow data across organizations
Correct answer: Providing standardized occupational information including tasks, KSAs, and work context for job analysis
O*NET is the U.S. Department of Labor's comprehensive online database of occupational information used to support job analysis and workforce planning.
Question 4: What is the purpose of including 'working conditions' in a job description?
- To inform applicants of the physical environment and potential hazards, and to support ADA accommodation decisions (Correct answer)
- To establish the number of paid vacation days the employee will receive
- To determine whether the position qualifies for hazard pay under federal law
- To comply with OSHA requirements for all posted job openings
Correct answer: To inform applicants of the physical environment and potential hazards, and to support ADA accommodation decisions
Documenting working conditions ensures candidates understand the job environment and helps employers assess what reasonable accommodations may be needed.
Question 5: A supervisor argues that a specific task should be considered 'essential' because it would fundamentally alter the job if removed. Which ADA factor does this reflect?
- The function is fundamental to the position (Correct answer)
- The function requires specialized training
- The function is performed by all employees in the department
- The function is listed first in the job description
Correct answer: The function is fundamental to the position
Under ADA guidance, a function is essential if removing it would fundamentally change the nature of the job, which is one of three key ADA criteria for essential functions.
Question 6: In a job analysis, subject matter experts (SMEs) are most commonly used to:
- Validate that identified tasks and KSAs accurately reflect job requirements (Correct answer)
- Set the salary range for newly created positions
- Conduct background checks on job applicants
- Approve the final formatted job description before publication
Correct answer: Validate that identified tasks and KSAs accurately reflect job requirements
SMEs—typically experienced incumbents and supervisors—review and confirm the accuracy of job analysis findings, lending credibility and defensibility to the results.
Question 7: Which section of a job description typically specifies the minimum education, certifications, and years of experience required for a role?
- Qualifications or job specifications section (Correct answer)
- Job summary section
- Essential functions section
- Working conditions section
Correct answer: Qualifications or job specifications section
The qualifications or job specifications section lists the minimum requirements a candidate must meet, distinguishing required from preferred credentials.
USA Job Analysis and Descriptions 4
What is the primary risk of using a job description that is significantly outdated?