Job analysis is the process of determining what the position entails. The job analysis also results in a job title for the position. The job description identifies the tasks and responsibilities of a position. The job description should identify skills needed and give you and the applicant a clear understanding of the expectations.

It is often called a realistic job preview (RJP). Some managers think their job is to paint a rosy picture, but research shows that making the job sound better than it really is just disappoints the new employee. Based on the job description, you determine job specifications. Job specifications identify the qualifications needed by the person who is to fill a position. HR keeps copies, distributes and does all the paperwork to keep track of them.