Should You Ask for a Job Description Before Your Phone Interview?

Candidates often wonder whether it is appropriate to ask their hiring manager for a job description prior to their phone interview. This article explores the benefits of requesting a job description, provides helpful tips for phrasing your request, and discusses the potential downsides and alternatives.

Why Ask for a Job Description?

Asking for a job description is not only acceptable but also highly recommended. It offers several advantages that can help you prepare more effectively for your interview:

Clearer Understanding: A job description provides a detailed outline of the role's responsibilities, required skills, and expectations. Proactive Preparation: Knowing what to expect makes you better prepared to align your skills and experiences with the requirements of the position. Education: It gives you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the role, enhancing your understanding of what the company is looking for.

How to Request a Job Description?

To make your request professional and effective, you can use the following approach:

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. Could you please share the job description with me? I want to ensure I am well-prepared to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the role. Thank you!

This phrasing demonstrates your proactive attitude and genuine interest in the position, setting a positive tone for your communication with the hiring manager.

Alternatives and Considerations

While requesting a job description is a valuable step, it is not the only option. There are other ways to prepare for your interview:

Online Research: You can go online and search for the job or company's website to gather information about the position and the organization. Company Culture: Learn about the company culture, values, and mission to better understand whether the position aligns with your career goals. Role-Specific Questions: Prepare a list of questions related to the role and the company, even if you don't receive a detailed job description.

Job Descriptions: Legal Documents vs. Interview Guide

It is important to understand that job descriptions are primarily legal documents used as "catch all" statements to protect the company against potential legal issues:

Infrequent Updates: Job descriptions are typically updated infrequently, with an average frequency of every 8 years or more. Broad and Vague: They are intentionally broad and may include unrealistic or outdated requirements, such as carrying objects of specific weights.

Despite these limitations, a job description can still provide a general overview of the role. It is crucial to come prepared with a list of questions, both for the interviewer and the role itself:

Role-Specific Questions: Ask about the day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and key challenges. Company Questions: Inquire about the company's growth, culture, and future plans.

One of my favorite questions to ask is: 'If you hire me and it is one year from now at my annual performance review, and you tell me 'Chris, you have had the best first year of anyone we have hired,' what did I accomplish that first year?' This question helps the interviewer think about the expectations and goals for the role.

Conclusion

Requesting a job description before a phone interview is a smart, proactive step that can significantly enhance your preparation. While job descriptions may not provide all the information you need, they are a valuable starting point. Combine this with thorough online research and a list of thoughtful questions to ensure you make a strong impression during your interview.