Difference Between Job Description and Job Specification
In the hiring process, there are two important documents that are required – job description and job specification. Although these two terms may seem interchangeable, they refer to different things. Here we will discuss the difference between the two.
Job Description
A job description is a written statement that outlines the tasks, responsibilities, and duties that an employee is expected to perform in a particular position. It provides an overview of the job and helps candidates understand the requirements and expectations of the role. Job descriptions are mainly used during the recruitment and selection process.
A job description may include the following information:
- Job title
- Job summary
- Responsibilities and duties
- Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
- Qualifications and experience
- Reporting structure
- Working conditions
The job description is generally written by the HR department with input from the hiring manager. It is used to advertise the vacancy, to screen candidates and to assess performance once the employee has been hired.
Job Specification
Job specification, on the other hand, is a written statement that outlines the personal attributes, qualifications, and skills that are required to perform the job. In other words, it is a document that defines the ideal candidate for the job.
A job specification may include the following information:
- Education qualifications and experience
- Skills, abilities, and competencies required
- Personal attributes such as communication skills, team player or leadership skills
- Physical requirements such as standing or sitting for long periods, manual dexterity
Job specification is used when identifying and assessing potential candidates for the position. It is usually used as a guide to screen applicants during the selection process.
The Difference Between Job Description and Job Specification
The main difference between job description and job specification is that the former describes the duties and responsibilities of the position while the latter describes the ideal candidate for the job.
While job descriptions outline the main components of the position, job specification is used to describe the qualities and qualifications of the person required to perform the job. Therefore, job specification helps HR managers to focus on hiring the right candidate for the job who has the necessary skills and experience.
In conclusion, while job description and job specification may seem similar, it is important to understand their differences so that you can create effective and accurate documents that will help you hire the best candidate for the job.
Table difference between job description and job specification
| Job Description | Job Specification |
|---|---|
| Provides details about the duties and responsibilities of a job | Describes the required qualifications, skills, and experience for a job |
| Outlines the tasks to be performed in a job | Specifies the minimum educational or professional qualifications required for a job |
| Includes information about the reporting structure and position within the organization | Lists any specific abilities or characteristics needed to perform the job effectively |
| May include information about the physical demands of a job | May include information about required personality traits, soft skills, and values |
| Helps to clarify the expectations and duties of a position | Helps to identify the ideal candidate for a job and ensures that hiring decisions are based on objective criteria |