Organizations in various industries depend on the skills of job analysis specialists to ensure the accuracy of job classifications, descriptions, duties and requirements, and to identify and determine each position’s importance and relationship to the organization as a whole. Starting on the path to a career as a job analysis specialist can begin with adding a human resources (HR) administration minor to a bachelor’s degree program.
Job Analysis Specialist Job Outlook
According to national data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2011, employment for all human resources, training, and labor relations managers and specialists, including job analysis specialists, is projected to increase much faster than the average occupation through 2018. A growing job rate may not guarantee employment in the industry. Prospective students are encouraged to conduct independent research regarding actual job growth rates, which vary according to location, education, experience, local trends, and requirements.
Job Analysis Specialist Job Duties
The duties most often performed by a job analysis specialist support other areas of human resources, including training, personnel selection, and job evaluation and performance appraisal. These HR professionals are typically responsible for collecting and analyzing data that can help determine the need for and outcome of various HR processes and procedures. The result of much of this data analysis is a job description, but job analysis specialists may also help develop training content, assessment tests, compensation, interview questions and performance reviews.
Questions that a job analysis specialist seeks to answer include:
- What qualifications are needed to perform this job?
- Where and when is the job performed?
- Why does the job exist?
- What are the conditions in which the job is performed?
- What equipment or machinery is required to perform the job?
Job analysis specialists often gather preliminary data through interviews with employees and supervisors, by facilitating focus group meetings or by conducting surveys. They may visit a job site and observe workers performing their jobs, making note of skills, specialized training and equipment required to perform the work.
At times, job analysis specialists may utilize scales or other measure apparatus to collect precise readings of the strength or force required for various tasks. They often weigh a worker’s typical carry load to determine the minimum weight carrying ability required to perform a job.
Because each job must be placed in the proper department and receive appropriate training, job analysis specialist compile and analyze data, evaluate the resulting information to assess job positions, determine their classification, exempt or non-exempt status, department and salary range. These HR specialists also help develop plans for selecting the best candidates for a given job, as well as make the decisions on promoting, evaluating and compensating incumbent employees.
Additional job analysis specialist job duties include advising upper management on classification and training programs, assessing the need and making recommendations for job analysis instruments and materials, and preparing organization and flow charts, as well as job analysis summary reports.
Most training and development specialists work in professional office settings, and a 40-hour week is typical. Depending on the employer, travel is sometimes required.
Potential Salary for Job Analysis Specialists
According to a 2010 national survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, the average annual salary for job analysis specialists was $59,590, while the middle 50% earned between $44,330 and $71,650. The lowest 10% earned approximately $35,670, while those in the highest 10% bracket brought in around $89,770 per year. Because salary potential may vary depending on location, education and experience, prospective students are encouraged to conduct independent research to determine actual earning potential.
Education and Training for Job Analysis Specialists
Employers often require a bachelor’s degree when hiring for job analysis specialist positions. Some employers seek HR or specific industry work experience, or advanced training in HR.
Individuals who wish to pursue an HR career, such as job analysis specialist, can obtain necessary skills by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, applied psychology, or a related discipline, with a minor in human resources administration. HR courses typically include administrative and personnel law, organization theory, selection and placement, and management of human resources.
Employers can be confident that professionals who have earned a Bachelor’s degree with a minor in Human Resources Administration are able to:
- Effectively use organizational training theory, methodology and evaluation.
- Understand the forces shaping HR training in the future, as well as current practices.
- Apply strategies to attract, assess and acquire personnel.
- Use analytical thinking skills to make sound decisions.
- Leverage advanced skills and knowledge to succeed as a job analysis specialist.
Essential Skills for a Successful Job Analysis Specialist Career
Employers seeking job analysis specialists are looking for a combination of outstanding written and verbal communication and comprehension, as well as good decision-making skills and judgment. Additional attributes that would serve you well in this exciting HR career include knowledge of math, systems analysis and organizational behavior, which can be obtained by earning a bachelor’s degree with a Human Resources Administration minor. If you’re interested in joining the ranks of in-demand HR professionals, becoming a job analysis specialist could be a great way to begin your HR career.