AIBU to expect a job description?

[KikkiK]

I recently applied for a job that was advertised in our local paper - it was a small advert with only a paragraph or so about the role. I sent off my CV and last week I had an email asking me in for an interview. I replied to accept and asked if they had a job description or any more information about the role.

I have not heard back from them, and the interview is on Tuesday. Most of my experience is in the public sector where every job I've gone for has had a detailed job description and list of competencies. This is a small private company, so I wasn't expecting the same amount of information but I thought they would at least be able to send me some information about the duties, or a person specification.

Are written job descriptions common in the private sector, or in small businesses? I am a bit worried that I have made myself look like an idiot by asking for one, and put myself at a disadvantage before I've even turned up for the interview!

I've been in my current workplace now for almost three years and I am yet to receive a job description for either of the roles I have held. I was asked to write my own job description but declined on the basis that I would involve lots of FB and MN time

Ah, OK, thanks Lucy! Obviously I am too stuck in my public sector ways - I will never survive in the wild!

I think legally you have to have a job description no later than two months after you start the job- hopefully somebody wiser than me will confirm or deny this.

Good employers provide job descriptions. I've worked for private sector and third sector organisations and always had job descriptions.

It depends, I have recently started a job with a small company after only working for large corporate company for many years.
They never gave me an actual job description for my new role as they weren't sure what it would involve exactly until I started. They knew they needed another person on board but they essentially created the role to fit me in, picking up various areas of responsibility off the existing team.
Maybe that is the situation in this job you have applied for? Although they are BU if they won't give you a response, even if it is something along the lines of 'role is undecided/negotiable etc'

Thanks all. I hadn't thought that it might be a newly created role, thanks BeckyBrandon. And yes, the fact that I have had no reply at all to my email is worrying too. Ah well, all will be revealed tomorrow at the interview!