to expect a job description before I 'sign on the dotted line'?

[MrsSeanBean]

All I know about my new job is what I saw in the recruitment ad and the (vague) post title. I have asked for a JD and been told that as it is a new post the JD is probably 'still in the system'... AIBU to think this is odd?

AIBU to want to see some written description what I will be expected to do in black and white before signing my contract? Or are JDs passe these days?

Does your contract give details of hours/responsibility etc. Agree you should know these before you commit but not sure if a job description is necessaroly where these are laid out before you start

Well,dh's JD hasn't been 'processed' for the last 14mths so he's not had his grading sorted for pay, he's now been managing a team and not being paid for his role,causing us alot of money issues and him a whole heap of stress and contempt for HR and upper management.

Don't sign anything.

Contract contains hours of work but no mention of responsibilities whatsoever.

Id contact your future employers and ask for details of responsiblities, you need to know this before you sign

They should be able to give you at least a skeleton job description - the post might be a new one but they still clearly know why the post has been created and what the post-holder is being brought in to do - that would be your basic job description. I'd be a bit suspcious if they're unwilling to put anything at all in writing. And anyway, how can you legitimately sign a contract saying that you understand and agree to the terms when you don't know what what you're agreeing to do?

I remember applying for a job once with a small social research organisation which gave the impression throughout the entire application and interview process of being research-based. Signed to say that I accepted my very hazy job title of 'Data and Resources Officer', arrived at the office, it was telesales, flogging conferences and training courses! Apparently hassling people over the phone to buy things and taking note of the reasons why they did or didn't want to go ahead was classed as legitimate social research.