This article is relevant for HR Managers.
The difference between a job description and a job specification in a nutshell
- Job Description: Describes the job itself
- Job Specification: Describes the qualifications needed for the job
The job description therefore contains a description and characteristics of the job from the point of view of WHAT is its subject.
- defines job content, specific responsibilities, powers, duties and tasks, qualifications
- describes the location of the job position in the organizational structure
- describes requirements and limitations
- describes the necessary work equipment
- describes the required permissions and accesses
- contains information about compensation,
- contains information about risks,
- possibly and other characteristics of a specific job position.
A job specification is a comprehensive written description from the point of view of WHO the ideal candidate is, what they must be able to do or what they must fulfill
- it helps to specify the requirements for the ideal candidate, his experience and education and other prerequisites
- what the candidate must be able to do or what they must meet
- Job descriptions and specifications complement each other, each having a different purpose and being used in a different situation