5 Key Differences Between Job Description and Job Specification Explained

A job description is a document that outlines the tasks and functions of a job and the expectations for the person occupying that role. It is a means of communication that allows both the employer and the prospective employee to have a common understanding of the position.

• Definition: A job description is a document containing the most important activities, duties, and responsibilities associated with a job.

• Purpose: It serves to assist HR teams in the process of recruitment and at the same time to inform the applicants about the job requirements on job matching platforms.

• Recruitment Tool: Job descriptions are acclaimed as the principal recruitment terminology used throughout the hiring process.

• Clarity for Employees: A new employee can comprehend their daily tasks more easily with the help of a well-articulated job description.

• Legal Reference: In some cases, job descriptions are utilized in HR hiring terms for compliance and record-keeping practices.

A job description signifies “what needs to be accomplished” in a certain position. It is an indispensable device in the selection process and keeps everyone in agreement.

A job specification is a document that contains the necessary skills, qualifications, and personal traits for a specific position displayed on the best sites to find jobs. It not only assists employers in selecting the proper candidate but also indicates the necessary skills for job seekers in their career progression.

• Definition: A job specification is basically a formal document that enumerates the education, experience, skills, and personal attributes that are necessary for a certain position.

• Purpose: It makes sure that the candidates are the qualified ones meeting the minimum criteria before being considered for the position.

• Recruitment Guide: Job specifications are among the crucial elements of recruitment terminology that aid HR in choosing the most suitable person.

• Skill Focus: By getting hold of a job specification, the applicants are able to tell which HR recruitment terms are important to be mentioned in their CVs.

• Better Hiring Decisions: Detailed job specifications serve to guide the employers through the hiring process and thus prevent mistakes caused by unclear expectations.

The job specification describes who the right person is for that position. It is a companion to the job description, making the whole process of hiring smooth and effective.

It is hard for employers and candidates to have an understanding of the differences between a job description and a job specification. It clears the hiring process and gives guarantees that the right people will be placed in the right positions.

Understanding job descriptions and specifications correctly can help you tailor your application and increase your chances of getting noticed. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

A lot of candidates just read through job specifications and do not consider the major qualifications.

Certain candidates take into consideration only the qualifications and neglect the actual nature of the job.

Usually, the applicants do not manage to synchronize their CVs with the proper keywords.

The majority of job seekers overlook the experience needed which is stated in the specification.

Many times the candidates apply without checking if the role matches their interests or strengths.

Customized resumes can be the key to job seekers landing more interviews since they fit the requirements of the job description and job specification. However, it can be a tiring and complicated process but using the tool Resume Keywords by mployee.me can make it easier, as it not only analyses your resume and the job description but also indicates the keywords which should be included or omitted.

Features of Resume Keywords by mployee.me:

• ATS Optimization: This job description keyword finder goes through the resume and the job description and marks out the keywords that are of utmost importance for applicant tracking systems.

• Custom Tailoring: Adjust your resume for every job, which makes it meet the criteria that employers want.

• Time Efficiency: It will take you no time to identify the right keywords to include as this tool does it automatically.

• Increased Interview Opportunities: It enhances your chances of being seen by recruiters as aligning your resume with ATS demands gets you recognized.

Job applicants using Resume Keywords by mployee.me can make highly distinctive resumes that are not only ATS-compliant but also get a quicker notice.

Here's how to Use Resume Keywords tool by mployee.me:

Step 1: Upload Your Resume

Step 2: Add Job Description

Step 3: Click Download Customized Resume and Add Skills

Step 4: Update Resume and Download

Find Resume Keywords for Free

The distinction between a job description and a job specification is very important for both job seekers and employers.

• The job description states the nature of the role and provides a list of the tasks to be performed on a daily basis.

• The job specification meaning is the levels of the skills, education, and experience that a person should possess.

• The key differences give the opportunity to the applicants to know what will be their responsibility and what their preparation should be.

• The most common errors in this regard are misinterpreting the requirements, neglecting the duties, and missing the keywords.

• By customizing your CV according to the job specification, you will increase your chances of getting shortlisted.

• The Resume Keywords tool by mployee.me, for instance, will be very useful for spotting the essential keywords for both ATS and recruiters.

• Preparing your CV for each position takes a little longer but it does give you a greater number of interview invitations.

• Clarity of HR hiring terms and recruitment vocabulary gives you a competitive edge.

The knowledge of the difference between job description and job specification along with the application of the right tools makes your job search smarter and more effective.