As we’ve outlined, a job analysis focuses on the specific components of individual jobs and helps to determine employee-job fit. A job evaluation is a related, but separate, process with a different objective. Using the data gathered from the job analysis, the evaluation process compares and ranks jobs to each other in order to determine their relative value in the organization. This process is especially important to assist in determining pay rates. As we’ve discussed, the job analysis is a foundational process which provides critical data to support HR documents, programs, and processes. For busy HR professionals, it might feel like yet another item on the to-do list. But it will actually serve as one of your most valuable reference sources. When it has been conducted correctly, the job analysis is a strategic action that will serve as a legally compliant guide to support critical job-related decisions.