I recently saw an intriguing job ad for MongoDB. What caught my attention was not the job itself, but the fact that they included clear expectations for the job role right in the job ad. What would be expected of the candidate at 3 months, 6 months and at the year mark. What a novel idea! How often do you go into a job with such clear expectations? Did I really want to apply to this job knowing that I would be measured against these goals? How did I feel about these expectations?
According to SHRM, setting clear expectations is key for the remote workforce, especially when you don’t have the benefit of rubbing shoulders with your coworkers or manager. How do I really know what is expected of me? What does success look like in my new role? How do I know if my performance is meeting those expectations?
Setting clear expectations right from the first day is great, but how about before we start? Do I really want to apply for this job if I don’t have clear expectations? How many of us have started jobs with great zest and zeal only to find out that the actual job expectations are completely different than the actual job description. I’m sure you’ve read those canned, scripted job descriptions. Descriptions that are so vague that you really have no idea what the actual job is really like?
It is no wonder why so many are leaving their jobs when they find out that their actual job is nothing like what was advertised. It’s false advertising if you ask me. Why not set clear expectations and objectives in your job role description? Sure, it’s probably more work but isn’t it worth it?