Q. "What is the difference between a job description and a job posting?"
Answer:
While a job description and job posting are similar in that they both outline the duties of the role and the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform those duties, each has a different purpose.
A job description is:
An internal document outlining the purpose of the role, essential functions, and necessary skills.
Used to set salary range, complete performance reviews, and if needed, create a performance improvement plan.
More details about day-to-day requirements.
Not usually about benefits or culture.
A job posting is:
What you use to attract candidates to the job and organization.
A marketing tool discussing duties, benefits, and culture.
Enough information so candidates have a clear picture, but not as extensive as a job description.
How to apply and information about the selection process.
While these two types of documents do convey much of the same information, they’ll be more effective if you write each of them to achieve their respective purpose.