What is a Job Function? Definition, Purpose, Examples

What's a job function? Whether you're starting a new job or doing a self-evaluation, it's critical to grasp your role's expectations inside a company. A job function is a term used by corporations to describe how they define a position. Knowing the job function associated with your job title will help you fulfill your job duties more effectively as an employee.

What is a job function?

A job function is a collection of acts carried out by a person in a particular position that define the primary duties of that position. Job functions are frequently presented as a list of everyday duties completed by an individual. Employers utilize active verbs to characterize positions for internal and external usage while defining job functions.

What's the purpose of a job function?

Typically, when an open position is listed online, a job function is attached to it so that prospective workers can understand the job's responsibilities prior to applying. When you view a job function through the lens of a job seeker, you can determine if the daily duties align with your talents and interests.

What do they do?

A job function is a term that is used to define the abilities and characteristics required to execute a certain job. Listing essential skills assists both companies and workers in determining the specific knowledge required for their role. A job function assists in determining the background required of a candidate prior to taking on a role within a company.

How job functions help describe job duties

Employing a job function can assist employees in comprehending what is expected of them while they execute their job tasks. It provides the groundwork for new recruits as they transition into their roles within the organization. Additionally, it might be beneficial to clarify the responsibilities of staff in other areas.

Why are they an accountability tool?

A job function lays the groundwork for management and employee-accepted job duties. Leaders can perform assessments using the job function activities, and workers can utilize them for self-reflection.

Job title vs. job function

While a work title is only a descriptive term for a position, a job function is more specific. While job names suggest certain duties, they can not adequately describe all of the complicated tasks performed by an individual.

Additional distinctions between a job title and a work function include the following:

Job title

Job titles are used to differentiate between different jobs within an organization.

Outside of the office, consumers and clients use job titles to identify employees (such as on a business card).

Job titles are used to assist structure leadership in organizational charts.

Job names emphasize the position's primary purpose.

Job function

Additional job function distinctions include the following:

• Job functions contribute to the definition of a job title.
• Internally, job functions are used to direct workers' daily work tasks.
• Job functions are more specific descriptions of the job performed by an individual.
• Job functions contribute to the determination of a job's title.

Both the job title and the work function can play a role in determining an employee's compensation. A job function demonstrates the amount of labor and skill required to accomplish a certain task, but a title identifies the individual doing these actions, which can suggest leadership or advanced work experience. Both are taken into consideration when calculating pay.

Job function examples

The following are some examples of job functions for a variety of occupations in a variety of industries:

Job functions for an RN

This job function outlines the competencies necessary for a nurse to perform their tasks, which include the use of medical equipment and administering medication:

• Keep track of patient histories.
• Observe and monitor patients' health and vital signs.
• Assist physicians with medical procedures.
• Patients should be educated about their health and well-being.
• Provide guidance on how to treat an illness.
• Assemble treatment plans for patients in collaboration with a medical team.
• Assist patients with drug administration.
• Conduct diagnostic examinations.
• Operate medical devices used in the treatment and testing of patients.

Job functions for an insurance agent

The following job function summarizes the everyday responsibilities of an insurance agent:

• Provide clients with policy information.
• Assist policyholders in filing and resolving insurance claims.
• Provide consumers with customized insurance policies.
• Prospective clients' insurance needs should be discussed.
• Participate in workshops of professional development.
• Maintain client data and make necessary adjustments to insurance plans to fulfill the customer's demands.
• Communicate with insurance carriers to establish client policy information.

Job functions for a CPA

This job function denotes both the abilities required of an accountant and the actions done by him or her:

• Maintain records of commercial transactions.
• Conduct monthly, quarterly, and yearly cost evaluations.
• Adjust bank accounts in accordance with credit card transactions.
• Annual audits and financial reports coordination.
• Provide financial advice.
• Ensure that taxes are submitted in accordance with all applicable state and federal rules.
• Recognize and rectify any fiscal errors or omissions.

Job functions for a trainer

The job objectives of an athletic trainer are clearly stated in this example of a job function:

• Educate athletes on how to properly care for their bodies in order to avoid damage.
• Exercises that are both safe and beneficial for athletes.
• Conduct examinations and identify patient injuries.
• Create therapy programs for rehabilitation.
• Maintain medical records and track the progress of patients.
• Collaborate with medical specialists to treat athletes.

Job functions for a clerk

A hotel clerk can perform the following duties:

• Incoming guests and tourists should be greeted.
• Check-in and check-out visitors from specified rooms.
• Inform visitors about surrounding activities and services.
• Assist visitors in making and changing bookings.
• Reserve certain rooms or levels for parties and gatherings
• Internal and external phone calls must be answered.

Common questions

Questions from employees.

What's a job description?

Typically, a job description explains the different responsibilities associated with a particular job that a person is expected to accomplish. Bear in mind that certain titles are highly qualified.

Is it possible for two people to hold the same job title?

Yes. Individuals with the same job title frequently get the same income or a comparable compensation as specified on a formal or informal pay schedule. While titles are used to designate positions on a pay schedule or compensation system, job functions are used to establish the appropriate pay level.

What are job responsibilities?

These are the job functions in a format that's useful for other team members. It details the accountability of the job title.

While job duties are frequently described in broad terms, a task list informs potential workers on how their workdays will be arranged and precisely what they will be doing. Active verbs are frequently used in task lists since they describe activities rather than the void in your business that needs to be filled.

For example, a senior manager could have responsibilities such as:

• Managing a team of 5 product managers.

While an executive assistant could have responsibilities such as:

• Dealing with office vendor relationships.

Where are job competencies expressed?

Both skill and experience can be used to describe job skills or competencies.