Why is a detailed job description the first step in criteria development? Choices: Because a great job description exactly states which essential, minimum and preferred qualifications will be required for a position, making everything clear and easy to follow. Creating a job description is actually the last step in criterion development for selection decision-making. A good job description is all that is needed to conduct any applicant search. A solid job description can lead to candidate self-selection out of the applicant pool when a possible candidate sees that he or she does not fit the job description