What is a Job Aid?
A job aid is a print or electronic document containing information and guidance for supporting the task at hand. It is often one sheet (front or front and back) but some are longer. |
Other terms: checklist, cheat sheet, planner
Common Types of Job Aids
Step Action Table |
A procedure where each row contains one step of the procedure and explains the action of that step. |
Decision Table |
Sets of "If-then" statements to guide decisions based on specific conditions. |
Lookup Table |
A table of similar items, often with brief descriptions or explanations. Examples: primary vendors, company job titles, shipping rates. |
Checklist |
A list of items used to ensure consistency. Present in a logical order (chronological, alpha, etc.) |
Flowchart |
A graphical representation of a process where each step is represented by a different symbol. |
Examples of Job Aids (This is a Reference List)
Dave Ferguson's Job Aids by Type |
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Job Aids (with Examples) |
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ASK THESE QUESTIONS FIRST
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Will using the job aid at the moment of need cause any problems? IF YES, a job aid is a bad solution. The person may need to to remember the information or a system solution may be needed.
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Is speed or fluent ability to perform the task(s) critical? IF YES, a job isn't the solution. The person must be able to perform without support.
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In some cases, a job aid cannot work. These are two common reasons why. Job aids may, however, be useful in these situations during training.
ASK THESE QUESTIONS NEXT
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Is the information or task complicated and important? IF YES, a job aid is valuable and likely to be used.
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Is the task performed infrequently? IF YES, a job aid can be extra helpful because the work may have been forgotten.
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Do people need to assess whether they are doing the task to standard? IF YES, a job aid can provide guidance and criteria.
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Are there a lot of things to remember? IF YES, a job aid can reduce the load on memory.
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Is the price of making errors high? IF YES, a job aid can provide needed guidance at the moment of need.
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The more times you answer YES, the more likely a job aid will be helpful (all things being equal).
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Learn to Write Job Aids
Buy Allison Rossett's book |
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Search for "______ job aid" online and check against my questions, types, and examples |
Search online |
Deconstruct really good job aids and figure out what isn't good about the bad ones |
See examples |
Example: Onboarding Job Aid (This is a Checklist)
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