Job Description vs. Job Specification: Difference and Comparison
By Muazma Batool & Muneeza Rehman — Published on July 27, 2024
Job descriptions outline roles and responsibilities, while job specifications list qualifications and skills needed.
Difference Between Job Description and Job Specification
A job description provides a broad overview of a position, detailing the primary duties, responsibilities, and purposes of a job. It often includes information about the working conditions and the job’s place within the organizational hierarchy. On the other hand, a job specification focuses more narrowly on the person who will fill the job, detailing the required qualifications, skills, experience, and personal attributes necessary for the role.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
Job descriptions serve as a tool for managers to communicate expectations and objectives to potential and current employees, ensuring everyone understands the scope and requirements of the role. Whereas job specifications are used primarily in recruitment and selection, helping to match the right candidates with the right roles by clearly stating the essential and desirable criteria for applicants.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
In crafting a job description, HR or the hiring manager outlines what the organization expects the employee to achieve in the given position, including tasks and expected outcomes. Conversely, job specifications might include educational degrees, years of experience, technical skills, and personality traits that contribute to an individual’s suitability for the job.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
While job descriptions can change as organizational needs evolve, they generally remain fairly stable unless a significant restructuring occurs. Job specifications may be adjusted more frequently, especially in fields where the required knowledge and skills evolve rapidly due to technological advancements or market changes.
Leo
Jul 27, 2024
Job descriptions often help in aligning the role with organizational goals and strategies, facilitating better job performance and career development. Job specifications, however, are crucial in the hiring process, as they help in filtering candidates who do not meet the basic criteria, thus streamlining the recruitment process.
Henry
Jul 27, 2024
Job Description vs. Job Specification Comparison Chart
Purpose
Describes the role and responsibilities of a job.
Lists the qualifications needed for a job.
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Jul 27, 2024
Focus
On the position and its duties within the company.
On the attributes of the ideal candidate.
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Jul 27, 2024
Used by
Managers and employees for role clarification.
HR for recruiting and selecting candidates.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
Changes
Stable, changes with major organizational shifts.
Can change more frequently with industry standards.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
Typical Content
Tasks, responsibilities, working conditions.
Education, skills, experience, personality traits.
Levi
Jul 27, 2024
Job Description vs. Job Specification Definitions
◉Job Description
A component of job advertisements.
The job description in the ad attracted many qualified applicants.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Specification
Used to screen potential job candidates.
HR used the job specification to filter out underqualified applicants.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Description
A tool to evaluate employee performance.
Managers use the job description to assess whether employees meet their job criteria.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Specification
A guideline for educational institutions.
Colleges tailor their curriculum based on job specifications from industry leaders.
Kaitlyn
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Description
A basis for job redesign and workforce planning.
The company revisited the job description to realign roles with new strategic goals.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Specification
Essential for effective HR planning.
Job specifications helped the company in strategic manpower utilization.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Description
An HR document that defines the scope of job roles.
The job description provided a clear scope of what the company expected from its new hires.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Specification
A detailed list of qualifications and skills required for a job.
The job specification required a master's degree in computer science.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Description
A formal account of an employee's responsibilities.
The job description for the marketing manager lists strategic planning and execution as key responsibilities.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
◉Job Specification
Reflects the demands of a changing job market.
Updates to the job specification were made to include newer software proficiencies.
Muazma Batool
Apr 30, 2024
Job Description vs. Job Specification Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of a job description?
To outline the duties and responsibilities of a job within an organization.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
What happens if a job specification is too narrow?
A too narrow job specification may limit the pool of potential applicants and exclude potentially suitable candidates.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
How do job specifications assist HR departments?
They help in recruiting by defining essential qualifications and skills needed for a job.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
Why is it important to have accurate job descriptions?
Accurate job descriptions ensure clear communication of job roles and expectations to employees.
Jonathan
Jul 27, 2024
Are job descriptions legally binding?
While not typically legally binding, they can be referenced in legal or contractual disputes regarding job roles and responsibilities.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
How do job descriptions aid in career development?
They help employees understand their roles clearly, which aids in their professional growth and alignment with company goals.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
What impact does a detailed job specification have on recruitment?
It streamlines the recruitment process by filtering candidates who meet specific criteria, making the process more efficient.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
Can a job description and job specification overlap?
Yes, they can overlap in terms of detailing what is required from the role, but they serve different purposes.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
How often should job descriptions be updated?
They should be reviewed and possibly updated whenever there is a significant change in job duties or organizational structure.
Leo
Jul 27, 2024
What role does a job specification play in performance management?
It sets the criteria for hiring, which directly influences the quality and performance of the workforce.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
Should job specifications reflect current industry standards?
Yes, they should align with current industry demands and technological advancements to attract competent professionals.
Muazma Batool
Jul 27, 2024
What should be included in a job description?
It should include detailed responsibilities, whom the position reports to, and any necessary supervisory duties.
Kaitlyn
Jul 27, 2024
How does a job description differ from a job profile?
A job description is more focused on the duties and responsibilities, while a job profile might include broader information about the significance and expectations of the role.
Elijah
Jul 27, 2024
Is it necessary for small businesses to have detailed job descriptions and specifications?
Yes, even small businesses benefit from clear role definitions to ensure all employees understand their responsibilities and the qualifications expected of them.
Jonathan
Jul 27, 2024
What is typically included in a job specification?
Educational requirements, skills, experience, and personal traits needed to perform the job effectively.
Olivia
Jul 27, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
Co-written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
