Origins
Systematic job description took off with Frederick Taylor's Principles of Scientific Management (1911). His method of observing and breaking down work produced the job analysis, and the job description was its written output. The U.S. Department of Labor published the Dictionary of Occupational Titles in 1939 and replaced it in 1998 with the O*NET database. Strictly speaking, a job description covers what the job involves, while a job specification covers who is needed: education, experience, and credentials. In practice the two are often merged.
Korea's NCS job descriptions
With NCS-based hiring in 2015, Korean public institutions began publishing job descriptions alongside postings. These list the NCS classification, the organization's main programs, duties, required knowledge, skills, and attitudes, relevant certifications, and basic competencies. Each item ties to the screening, test, and interview criteria.
Using it as an applicant
First, pull out the recurring verbs in the duties, such as analyze, manage, or coordinate. Second, map each required skill to one of your own experiences. Third, plan training or certifications to fill the gaps. Fourth, echo the same keywords, with evidence, in your cover letter and interview answers.
FAQ
- Is a job description the same as a job posting?
- No. A posting covers hiring terms; the description details the work and required competencies.
- Do private companies publish them?
- Rarely as separate documents, but the duties and requirements sections serve the same purpose.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26
References
- Taylor, F. W. (1911). The Principles of Scientific Management. Harper & Brothers.
- U.S. Department of Labor. O*NET OnLine. https://www.onetonline.org
- 한국산업인력공단. NCS 기반 직무기술서 작성 가이드. https://www.ncs.go.kr