1. What is a Job Specification?

A job specification is a detailed outline of the skills, qualifications, experience, and attributes required to perform a specific job successfully.

2. Why is Job Specification Important?

It helps HR identify the right candidates, ensures clear expectations, and supports fair and effective recruitment.

3. Key Components of Job Specification

• Educational qualifications
  
• Work experience
  
• Technical and soft skills
  
• Physical and mental requirements
  
• Certifications and licenses
  

4. Example of Job Specification in Practice

A job specification for an accountant might require a bachelor’s degree in accounting, proficiency in accounting software, and strong analytical skills.

5. Best Practices for Writing Job Specifications

• Align specifications with job analysis
  
• Be clear and specific
  
• Update regularly as job needs evolve
  
• Focus on essential criteria
  

6. Related HR Terms

• Job Description
  
• Job Analysis
  
• Recruitment Process
  

7. FAQs About Job Specification

Q1. How detailed should job specifications be?
Detailed enough to guide effective hiring without being overly restrictive.

Q2. Who creates job specifications?
Typically HR professionals with input from hiring managers.

Q3. Can job specifications include soft skills?
Yes, especially those critical for the role.

Q4. How often should job specifications be updated?
Regularly or when job requirements change.

Q5. Are job specifications legally binding?
They guide hiring but are not legal contracts.