Total Rebrand has created a new series of blog posts called ‘Job Description Revelations’ that translates euphemistic language in job descriptions into Plain English.
As a professional job seeker, it’s a good idea to review job descriptions. This is because you can often glean the office culture and the history behind the open position. Job description requirements and qualifications highlight skills (and sometimes behaviors) that employers would like the candidates to demonstrate. These requirements say a great deal about the employer (such as how they value their employees’ time or their employees’ interpersonal behavioral challenges).
Challenges are often revealed when the hiring manager and the recruiter get together to create the job description. At times, job descriptions can sound ambiguous, ranging from professional to snarky, especially in the requirements section. In this series, we will demystify various phrases and teach you how to clarify them during interviews.
Today’s Phrase
Have you ever seen the following phrases in the Requirement/Qualifications section of a job description?
“Undertake other duties and ad-hoc tasks that may be assigned from time to time, including during absences and/or heavy work periods.”
or
“Other Duties as Required”
Why is this statement in the job description?
This phrase intends to protect the employer. It means that if management requests you to do tasks and assignments other than those in the job description (and possibly outside of work hours and paygrade) you cannot demand more money. You also cannot say ‘this job is not my responsibility.’
Possible Interpretations
- There is a high probability that the hiring manager expects you to do more than what the job description requires. This could be one way of getting more work out of you for a lower pay.
- It could also reflect that the employer is seeking candidates to pitch in without complaining when tasked with assignments outside their job description.
- It could also mean that management at this company cannot manage its resources wisely (a sign of bad leadership).
How to Clarify Require Statement During Interview
If you receive an interview for a position with this requirement, simply ask the following questions:
1. What are the ad-hoc tasks and how often to do they come up?
2. Why do these tasks come up?
3. What is expected to complete these tasks?
The answers to the above question may surprise you and even them.
All of us here at Total Rebrand wish you the best in your future endeavors. Please remember to periodically check our websites for updates, new tools, and advice in helping you find the best job that will maximize both your wealth as well as your health. Happy job hunting!
To learn more about demystifying job descriptions, please go learn more about our Job Description Analysis class.