Running your business may be a one-person operation, or it may require several employees. Each company is unique and requires different positions. Below is a combination of jobs, tasks, and job titles you may perform yourself, hire for, or outsource.
As a business owner, you should be familiar with each available position and the tasks it involves, whether or not you perform those tasks yourself. For example, you may rely heavily on your website. You might need a web designer, a web programmer, a graphic designer, an SEO specialist, and a marketing expert. When you understand what each person does, you can decide if you need more or fewer people in that department. Many small businesses now outsource these specialist roles — like web design, SEO, and marketing — instead of hiring for each one in-house.
Your graphic designer and web designer could be combined into one position. You could also combine the programmer and SEO specialist roles, or you may find you need more SEO specialists and programmers. The point is, if you don’t understand each job, you won’t be able to make the right staffing decisions.
A company’s payroll is a significant expense. The average cost to hire a new employee is $5,475 for non-executive roles, and $35,879 for executive roles, according to SHRM’s 2025 Benchmarking Report. That’s why it’s important to make sure your workforce isn’t excessive. You want full coverage, but overstaffing leads to unnecessary expenses.
You also want a good fit for each position you fill. Hiring someone who isn’t right for the job can be an expensive mistake — replacing an employee typically costs 50% to 200% of their annual salary, according to SHRM and Gallup. It’s better to take your time and find the right person for the job from the start.
Below is a list of common positions and some of the duties performed within those roles. Keep in mind this is a general list. Many companies will have fewer jobs, and other companies will have many more related jobs. The duties of each position vary by company too.
Receptionist/Secretary/Office Assistant
Duties May Include:
- Answering questions about business hours, products, and company policy
- Directing customers/clients to the correct destinations
- Answering incoming calls
- Handling and sorting mail
- Typing out memos
- Setting appointments
- Recordkeeping
- Filing and data entry
- Office organization
Bookkeeper
Duties May Include:
- Accounting and payroll
- Creating financial reports
- Managing accounts payable and banking
- Recordkeeping and filing
Business Manager
Duties May Include:
- Overseeing business operations
- Quality control
- Problem-solving
- Creating reports of day-to-day operations
- Product selection
- Purchasing
- Scheduling
Marketing Manager
Duties May Include:
- Advertising
- Creating brochures
- Social media marketing
- Maintaining a robust online presence
- Creating marketing campaigns
- Working with sales reps
Sales Representative
Duties May Include:
- Finding leads
- Cold calling
- Closing sales
- Working with the marketing manager
Security Guard
Duties May Include:
- Protecting people
- Protecting property
- Preventing problems caused by others
- Creating logs
- Monitoring security cameras
- Routine inspections for any suspicious activities
Inventory Clerk
Duties May Include:
- Stocking shelves
- Tracking stock levels
- Managing stock records
Cashier
Duties May Include:
- Cashing out customers
- Managing cash and the till
- Bagging products
- Customer service
- Processing returns
Drivers
Duties May Include:
- Loading products
- Unloading products
- Making deliveries
General Labor
Duties May Include:
- Moving products
- Loading/unloading
- Heavy lifting
- A variety of general tasks
Webmaster
Duties May Include:
- Website design
- Updating your website
- Website optimization
- Graphic design
- Social media
HR Generalist
Duties May Include:
- Hiring/firing
- Dealing with employee benefits
- Training and orientation
- Creating policies
- Ensuring labor laws are followed
IT Specialist
Duties May Include:
- Computer training
- Software setup
- Computer server maintenance
- Data management
- Computer troubleshooting
- Networking and security
Naturally, this list isn’t complete, but it will get you started in identifying and coming up with a list that is specific to your business.
Also, see Building a Team of Professional Advisors, for a team you can depend on when you expand your operation or when you need advice or have problems.
Key Points and Facts About Types of Jobs You Might Need To Fill for Your Business
- Every business needs certain functions covered — whether performed by you, an employee, or an outsourced provider.
- Understanding what each role actually does helps you decide whether to combine positions, hire more of one type, or outsource.
- Overstaffing adds unnecessary payroll expense; understaffing leaves gaps in coverage.
- The average cost to hire a new employee is $5,475 for non-executive roles, according to SHRM’s 2025 Benchmarking Report.
- Replacing a bad hire typically costs 50% to 200% of that employee’s annual salary, according to SHRM and Gallup.
- Many small businesses outsource specialist functions like web design, marketing, IT, and accounting rather than hiring in-house for every role.
Action Steps for Filling Jobs In Your Business
Map Out What Your Business Needs
- List every task your business requires, from answering the phone to managing inventory.
- Group related tasks into the roles above to see where you have gaps or overlap.
Decide What To Hire, Combine, or Outsource
- Identify roles that could reasonably be combined, like a graphic designer and web designer.
- Decide which specialist functions make more sense to outsource than hire for in-house.
Write Clear Job Descriptions
- List the specific duties for each position before you post the job.
- Set clear expectations so candidates understand exactly what the role involves.
Hire Carefully and Track the Cost
- Take your time finding the right fit for each position, since a bad hire is expensive to replace.
- Track your cost per hire and turnover to see whether your staffing approach is working.
Checklist for Filling Jobs In Your Business
- Review your current workload
- List the tasks that aren’t being covered well right now.
- Match tasks to the roles above
- Decide which existing roles could absorb the work.
- Decide: hire, combine, or outsource
- Weigh the cost of a new hire against outsourcing the function.
- Write the job description or scope of work
- Be specific about duties and expectations either way.
- Hire or contract carefully
- Take the time needed to find the right fit.
FAQ: Types of Jobs You Might Need To Fill for Your Business
Do I need to hire for every role listed here?
- No. Many small businesses combine several of these roles into one position, or outsource specialist work like web design, SEO, or bookkeeping.
How much does a bad hire actually cost?
- Replacing an employee typically costs 50% to 200% of their annual salary, according to SHRM and Gallup research.
Is outsourcing cheaper than hiring an employee?
- It depends on the role and how much work you need done. For specialist or part-time functions, outsourcing can cost less than a full-time hire. For core, ongoing work, an employee may be more cost-effective.
How do I know if I’m overstaffed?
- If payroll is climbing faster than the work justifies, or roles overlap significantly, it may be time to combine positions or reassess staffing levels.
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