Difference Between Job Analysis and Job Description (with Comparison Chart)

Job Analysis can be understood as the process of gathering information related to the specific job. The information encompasses knowledge, skill, and ability, possessed by the incumbent, to perform the job effectively. It is helpful in the preparation of job description and job specification. Job description is a document indicating what a job covers, i.e. tasks, responsibilities, duties, powers and authorities, attached to a job.

In finer terms, Job Analysis means an in-depth examination and evaluation of a particular Job. Conversely, Job Description is a statement that characterizes of a particular job.

At present, these two concepts have gained much importance because of extreme competition; all the organization wants to put the right man at the right job. But it can only be possible if you thoroughly investigate the details regarding the Job. so, here in this article, we will explain the difference between job analysis and job description, in tabular form.

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Job Analysis	Job Description
Meaning	A deep research on a particular job to ascertain every small details about it, is known as Job Analysis.	A comprehensive job summary depicting the job contents in short but in an exhaustive manner.
What is it?	Process	Statement
Concept	A process of determining all the necessary requirements and aspects of a job.	A concise statement of what a job demands.
Incorporates	Tasks, responsibilities, skill, abilities, working conditions and adaptabilities of a certain job.	Duties and Responsibilities, authority, purpose and scope of a specific job.
Mode	Oral or Written	Written
Advantage	Helpful in Recruitment and Selection of manpower	Helpful in ascertaining whether an applicant is eligible as per the set standards.

Definition of Job Analysis

Job Analysis is a detailed examination and evaluation of the job to determine the necessary information regarding the nature of the job. It includes thorough study, observation, and reporting of what the job involves, qualifications of the job holder, working conditions, abilities, skills, competencies, duties, responsibilities, etc. Job Description and Job Specification are the two products of Job Analysis. It is performed by an expert known as Job Analyst.

Uses of Job Analysis

Information for job analysis may be collected through interviews with incumbents and supervisors, questionnaires, surveys, position analysis, checklists, etc.

Job Analysis is carried out to pick the appropriate candidate from some applicants who is best suited for the concerned job. The analysis may include research of necessary skills, knowledge, and qualifications required for doing a job because every job is different in itself. The importance of Job Analysis in an organization is as under:

Performance Appraisal
Compensation Management
Job Re-engineering
Health and Safety
Job Evaluation

Definition of Job Description

Job Description is a written document which narrates the job contents in a systematic manner describing, What are the tasks performed by a worker? And How they are to be performed? It is prepared on the basis of Job Analysis and therefore, the effectiveness of Job Description depends on how well the procedure of Job Analysis is accomplished.

Job Description is an explanatory prospectus which records the job facts which are appropriate as well as authorised. It usually contains the following content:

Introduction of job
Designation
Job Summary
Duties and Responsibilities
Training details
Authorities
Salary Range
Reporting authority
Performance Standards

Job Description is used as an essential tool for eliminating the unfit applicants for the concerned job. Apart from that, it helped the organisation to set standards for choosing the appropriate candidate for the job by asking relevant questions at the time of interview.

Key Differences Between Job Analysis and Job Description

The points given below are substantial so far as the difference between job analysis and job description is concerned:

The careful study of each and every aspect of a particular job is known as Job Analysis. A descriptive statement that lists out all necessary job facts is known as Job Description.
Job Analysis is performed first, on the basis of which Job Description is created.
Job Analysis can be done either orally or written. Conversely, Job Description is developed only in a written format.
Job Analysis is a process, whereas Job Description is a statement.
Job Analysis is a basis for Job Evaluation but with the help of Job Description Advertisement for the job can be placed for recruitment purposes.

Conclusion

Job Analysis is a function conducted by the Job Analyst taking the whole staff of the organisation into consideration. In this process first of all the collection of background information is done in which the details of a particular job are extracted in relation to other jobs. After that, the job data are collected from the seniors, juniors, co-workers etc. A trade job analyst is appointed to watch the employees while they perform the job.

Finally, job description and job specification are created on the basis of the collected information and facts. So the candidates must possess the qualifications as described in the Job Description.