Job Requisition

What is a Job Requisition?

A job requisition, often shortened to “req,” is a formal request to hire for a position. A hiring manager fills it out to explain why the role is needed, what it involves, and what it will cost, and then sends it to HR, finance, or leadership for approval. Hiring only begins once the requisition is approved.

Requisitions are used both for new roles and for replacing someone who has left or is going on leave, known as a backfill. In everyday use, “requisition” simply means an official request for something. Outside hiring, a purchase requisition is the equivalent request to buy goods or services.

What is the difference between a job requisition, a job description, and a job posting?

• Job requisition: an internal request for approval to hire. It’s about the business case: why the role is needed, the budget, and the timeline.
• Job description: an internal document that defines the role’s duties, requirements, and reporting line. It’s often attached to the requisition.
• Job posting: the public ad written for candidates once the requisition is approved.

What does a job requisition include?

Most requisition forms ask for:

• Job title, department, and hiring manager
• Whether the role is new or a replacement
• The reason the role is needed
• Employment type (full-time, part-time, temporary, or contract)
• Salary range and budget
• Target start date
• Key responsibilities and requirements, or an attached job description
• Approvers

How does the job requisition process work?

1. Identify the need. A manager sees a gap because of growth, a new project, a departure, or a leave.
2. Submit the requisition. The manager completes the form, often in an applicant tracking system or HR platform.
3. Get approval. HR, finance, and leadership check the request against budget and workforce plans.
4. Open the role. Once approved, the requisition gets a number, and recruiting begins.
5. Close the requisition. The req is closed when the role is filled, put on hold, or cancelled.

Once your requisition is approved, Persona can match you with vetted remote talent, often in under a week. See our staffing options.

What is a requisition number?

A requisition number, or req ID, is the unique code assigned to an approved requisition. It lets HR and recruiters track the role through the hiring process, and it often appears on job postings so candidates can reference it when applying.

What does “requisition closed” mean?

When a requisition is closed, the company has stopped hiring for that role. Usually it means the position has been filled, but it can also mean the role was put on hold, cancelled, or reposted under a new requisition.

Dos and Don’ts of Job Requisitions

Dos

• Explain the business need clearly so approvers can decide quickly
• Attach an up-to-date job description
• Include a realistic salary range and start date
• Consider whether a temporary or contract hire could meet the need
• Close or update requisitions promptly so candidates and recruiters aren’t left guessing

Don’ts

• Don’t start recruiting before the requisition is approved
• Don’t copy an old requisition without checking that the role hasn’t changed
• Don’t leave requisitions open for roles you no longer plan to fill
• Don’t skip the requisition for backfills; replacing a role still needs budget sign-off
• Don’t let approvals stall for weeks while the work piles up