It Is Not Uncommon For The Job Description To Deviate From The Actual Job Duties — This Can Be Annoying — But Think Carefully Before You Take Action

Ask anyone in a professional setting and you will probably hear the a common story – they joined a company with a specific role and over time, or perhaps even almost right away – their duties changed until the point where they no longer matched what the person originally expected to do.

Shifting job roles is a common conundrum in professional settings, especially when working in fields like data science where technologies shift quickly, but it can also happen a lot when working for small companies, where it is common for one person to jump in and help out with many tasks. Employees often find that their expectations based on their current job can differ significantly from the actual duties they end up performing.

If you were hired to crunch data but suddenly find yourself in charge of keeping the staff kitchen clean, it may be natural to speak up – but first of all, let’s cool off for a sec.

Understanding the Mismatch

When a job description doesn’t match the actual duties, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and disappointment for employees. This mismatch can occur due to various reasons, such as changes in the company’s needs, miscommunication between departments, or inaccurate job postings. To understand the mismatch, it’s essential to analyze the job description and the actual duties. Identify the specific tasks and responsibilities that are not aligned with the job description. This will help you determine the extent of the mismatch and its impact on your work.

Identifying the Impact

The mismatch between the job description and actual job duties can have significant consequences on employees, employers, and the organization as a whole. For employees, it can lead to:

• Job dissatisfaction and frustration

• Lack of motivation and engagement

• Inadequate skills and training

• Poor performance and productivity

• Increased stress and burnout

For employers, it can result in:

• High employee turnover rates

• Decreased productivity and efficiency

• Inadequate talent management

• Poor reputation and branding

• Increased recruitment and training costs

• Inefficient use of resources

• Poor decision-making and planning

• Decreased competitiveness and market share

• Negative impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty

What To Do if Your Data Science Job Description Does Not Match the Menial Tasks You Are Doing

Finding yourself tasked with doing work you did not expect to have to handle can be frustrating and annoying, but it does not have to be something you quit over. In fact, it can be an unexpected boost to your career. Let’s look at some things you can do when this happens. For example, a job seeker might find themselves hired for a marketing role but end up performing administrative tasks, leading to frustration and a need to address the mismatch.

• Think before you act: If you are a new hire, keep in mind that it can take weeks, months, or even more to really get into your work role and become an effective and contributing team member. There’s also a good chance that for your first 90 days, you are in a probationary period, and that at the end of the 90 days, you will meet with your supervisor where you can bring up an issue like this.

• Keep in mind that your job description is not a binding document: If you were hired to crunch data but are instead sweeping the floors, you may not have much say in the matter. That said, if you think you were deliberately misled about your duties, you may have a legal issue on your hands. Menial tasks that do not align with your job title can be particularly frustrating.

• Schedule a meeting but be open to what you hear: If you think bringing this issue up is a good idea, ask your manager for a meeting to talk about it. There may be a simple misunderstanding, or this could be done on purpose since you are new. But you may also learn that your employer is not someone you want a long-term relationship with – and finding a new job may be in order. Job seekers can navigate such situations by researching and understanding the job market dynamics.

• Stay positive and keep in mind that change is inevitable: In the end, the only thing you can control is your attitude – and if your job never changes, you might be in a dying industry. Gaining new training to succeed in your new role could be just the thing that lands you the next great job.

Addressing the Issue

To address the mismatch between the job description and actual job duties take the following steps:

• Communicate openly and honestly with managers about the mismatch

• Review and update the job description to reflect the actual duties

• Provide training and development opportunities to employees to enhance their skills and knowledge

• Re-evaluate the company’s needs and adjust the duties accordingly

• Consider restructuring or reorganizing the team to better align with the company’s goals and objectives

Seeking Resolution

If the mismatch between the job description and actual duties is not addressed, it can lead to further complications and conflicts. To seek resolution, employees can:

• Discuss their concerns with their manager, supervisor or HR representative

• Seek support from colleagues or a mentor

• Consider filing a formal complaint or grievance

• Look for alternative job opportunities within the organization or outside

Employers can:

• Conduct regular job analysis and evaluation to ensure accuracy and relevance

• Provide clear and concise job descriptions and expectations

• Foster an open and transparent work culture

• Encourage employee feedback and suggestions

• Develop and implement effective talent management strategies

Evaluating Your Options

If you’re experiencing a mismatch between your job description and actual job duties, it’s essential to evaluate your options carefully. Consider the following:

• Can you negotiate to update your job description and duties?

• Are there opportunities for growth and development within?

• Is it time to look for a new job that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals?

• Can you take on additional responsibilities or projects to enhance your skills and experience?

• Is it possible to transfer to a different department or team within the company?

The Importance of Accurate Job Descriptions

Accurate job descriptions are crucial for both employees and employers. They provide a clear understanding of the job duties, responsibilities, and expectations. Accurate job descriptions can:

• Enhance employee engagement and motivation

• Improve job satisfaction and retention

• Increase productivity and efficiency

• Support effective talent management and recruitment

• Foster a positive and transparent work culture

By understanding the importance of accurate job descriptions, businesses can create a more efficient and effective workforce, while employees can find job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Updated November 2024.