Job Description

A Job Description (JD) is a lucid and detailed explanation communicating to a new recruit about his/her responsibilities, functions and where and how the candidate fits in the larger scheme of things.  Detailed Job descriptions are important as they act as pointers and can be the point of reference while identifying the competencies for a particular position as well as for selecting the right candidate. It minimizes the chances of expectation mismatch.
Clarity and transparency should be primary features of a JD to minimize fitment problems. An unclear JD can affect productivity adversely. Different organizations have different kinds of JD as per their needs, but irrespective of industry or position a JD has to be clear so that it can get the most out of a candidate..
A well charted JD also aids the goal setting and appraisal process. It helps both the organization and the candidate to assess whether the latter has delivered what s/he had been hired for.
Go through the JD in great detail to ensure that you know what is expected of you and so that you  are not caught unaware. Freshers especially need to make sure that they know all the fine points before taking up an offer.
Freshers often come armed with jargon and don’t know what they are getting into. Candidates should not feel apprehensive about asking questions. Everyone has a career plan and it is best to find out whether the offer is in keeping with their plans.
So, it is best you clarity your doubts before signing on the dotted line, else it can leave you wondering about your responsibilities and your boss about why the promising new recruit is not performing.
There is no ideal JD, it is subjective to the industry and organization. However, here are a few items which should feature in your JD.
1) About the organization: An overview of the organization.
2) Job title: Designation and grade: do not mistake the job profile / role with the designation. These are not inter-changeable terms. Designations do not mean the same in all organizations.
3) Statement of purpose: A general idea about the objective of the position and how it contributes to the overall objective of the organization.
4) Functions: A detailed list of duties and responsibilities depending on their importance, pending on their importance your accountability and the time needed.
5) Eligibility criteria: Details of the required skills, technical or academic qualifications as well as other requirements like soft skills, leadership skills, etc.
6) Experience: should be as specific as possible.
7) Reporting structure: A comprehensive account of any and all your roles. This should include who you will be reporting to (directly and in directly) as well as your own supervisory roles (if applicable) as well as the team strength).
 Work location and schedule: The physical location of the job and whether it entails traveling and /or relocation. Also, of there are any exceptions like working in shifts then the timing has to be mentioned as well.
You need not be familiar with or have dabbled in everything that is mentioned in the JD. A new job or position should be such that it not only utilizes your current skills but also enhances your knowledge and field of expertise. So as long as you have your basics right and are willing to learn you can take it as a challenge and leave certain things to be learnt on the job.