Job profile writing guidelines

Last updated on December 18, 2023

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Overview

The purpose of a job profile is to define, at a high level, the function, accountabilities and requirements of a position.

Pre-approved profiles for many of the common positions in government can be found in the Job Store.

When hiring for a new or vacant position, using an unaltered profile or adding to it means you do not need to submit the profile for classification review.

Submit the profile for classification review if:

  • You create a profile from scratch using the Job Profile Template (DOCX, 400KB)
  • You remove anything from the required accountabilities of a Job Store profile
  • You want to re-classify a position that's currently occupied by an employee

Sections of a job profile

Position number

For an existing position, the position number should be in your organization chart. 

If you cannot find it, contact AskMyHR (IDIR restricted) for assistance by submitting a service request using the category, My Team or Organization (or) A Hiring Manager > Job Classification > Job Profile Writing.

Classification

Newly created positions that have not used one of the pre-classified Job Store profiles need to be classified.

Work unit

The name of your ministry, division and branch.

Job overview

Describe the purpose of the position. This should be a concise statement that sums up the role in one or 2 short sentences.

Accountabilities

Use action words to describe what the position is expected to deliver and to whom it's accountable.

Job requirements

List the minimum qualifications the applicant needs to possess and any special requirements of the job: 

  • Education
  • Experience
  • Knowledge
  • Skills
  • Abilities

Credentials that are not absolutely mandatory should include an 'or equivalent' statement to accommodate qualified candidates who have taken alternate career development paths.

Behavioural competencies

These are the qualities the applicant needs to be successful in the position.

Browse the behavioural competencies for managers, supervisors and staff


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