Now describe the main responsibilities of the work in a sentence or two. Describing the main function of the work can prove very useful to you. It helps you focus on what you want from the job.

Once you have decided what you want you will know how much value the job has to your organization. You may find you don’t need this job. You may find you need something different than what you first thought.

You may find that you need different skills and experience than you originally thought. The point is that if you take the time to really think about the main function of the work, you will be better prepared to decide what you require from your future employee and how the job fits into your company’s needs.

For the sales clerk in a sporting goods store, the main function could be:

"The sales clerk is responsible for providing customers with the information they need to select merchandise, treating customers in a friendly and helpful way, and ringing up sales."