The A-Zs of Hiring Glossary

Job Specification

What is a Job Specification?

A job specification is a document that outlines the specific requirements, duties, responsibilities, and qualifications necessary for a particular job position. It is typically created by the human resources department in collaboration with the hiring manager and serves as a guide for both the recruiting team and potential job candidates.

The job specification is an essential component of the recruitment process as it helps to attract the right candidates for the job and ensures that the company hires individuals who possess the necessary skills and experience required to excel in the position.

When creating a job specification, it is important to be clear and concise about the job requirements and qualifications. The document should be easy to understand and should include all relevant information about the job position.

Some of the key elements of a job specification include:

  • Job title and department
  • Job summary and purpose
  • Key responsibilities and duties
  • Qualifications and skills required
  • Education and experience requirements
  • Salary and benefits
  • Working conditions and hours

Overall, a well-written job specification can help to streamline the recruitment process and ensure that the company hires the best candidate for the job.

Why is creating a job specification important?

Creating a job specification is important because it helps to clearly define the responsibilities and requirements of a job. This helps to ensure that the right candidate is hired for the position and that they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

What should be included in a job specification?

A job specification should include the job title, a brief description of the job, the responsibilities and duties of the position, the required qualifications and experience, and any necessary skills or abilities. It may also include information about the company culture and any benefits or perks that come with the job.

Job Specification Dos And Donts

Dos

  • Do be clear and concise in your job description, ensuring that it accurately reflects the role and requirements.
  • Do include essential qualifications, skills, and experience required for the position.
  • Do provide a clear and detailed job title that accurately reflects the role and responsibilities.
  • Do include information about the company culture and benefits to attract candidates who fit well with the organization.
  • Do provide a salary range and any other relevant compensation information.

Donts

  • Don’t use vague or generic language that could be interpreted in different ways by different candidates.
  • Don’t include unnecessary or irrelevant requirements that could discourage qualified candidates from applying.
  • Don’t use discriminatory language or criteria that could limit the pool of qualified candidates.
  • Don’t misrepresent the job requirements or responsibilities to attract candidates who may not be a good fit.
  • Don’t fail to include important information about the job, such as the location or work schedule.
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