What Is a Job Performance Analysis?

A job performance analysis is a type of evaluation that seeks to determine the level of proficiency that an employee or prospective employee brings to the tasks associated with a particular job position. Often considered a type of analysis that takes place once an individual is already occupying a position, many firms also use this same type of analysis to determine if a job applicant possesses the basic skills necessary to perform the related tasks. If the results of the analysis indicate the applicant would be proficient with the work after undergoing orientation and training, there is a good chance the individual will be hired.

The core function of a job performance analysis is to determine how well an individual performs the tasks associated with a particular job within a company structure. To that end, the individual will be provided the opportunity to perform certain tasks while under observation. The analyst will record the outcome of those observations, sometimes using a sliding scale to indicate the level of proficiency that the individual exhibited with each task. The overall results of the analysis can help determine the areas in which the individual excels as well as any areas where some additional training may be in order.

One of the outcomes of a responsible job performance analysis is that companies benefit from making sure employees with the relevant skills are placed in the right job positions. When this is the case, productivity is likely to be higher, which in turn means increased opportunities for the generation of additional revenue. The employees benefit from this arrangement, in that they have the chance to not only use the skills they have already cultivated but also the opportunity to receive additional training that helps to increase their level of expertise. This in turn makes the employees more valuable to the employer and may even pave the way for advancement to higher paying positions in the future.

Conducting a job performance analysis takes a number of factors into consideration. Along with the mechanics of performing essential tasks, the analysis will also consider such factors as employee attitudes, the expression of latent talents that may be of interest to the employer, and the general work ethic of the employee. When effective, a job performance analysis can empower employees to become more proficient by improving their efforts through additional training and education. The results of the analysis may also indicate that an employee is a likely candidate for another position that will be available shortly, making it possible to promote from within before investing in the additional training of a new employee.