Difference Between Job Description and Job Specification

Finding a job is a tedious task, things get worse when the job seeker finally gets a call for the interview and gets fired after failing to differentiate between the job description and the job specification. People often use these terms interchangeably, but the truth is that they are both part of totally different things. The job description is drawn from the job analysis; contains information about the workplace, work hours, salary, responsibilities and other general information. As the word “job description” indicates it describes the nature of the jobs and other general information. On the other hand, the job specification is prepared from the job description; it contains information about the requirements for the vacancy. Provides specific information on age limit, minimum qualification, certificates, and experience. Specific information about the eligibility and requirements for the particular position is mentioned in the job specification.

Comparison chart

What is the job description?

The job description is the brief statement that provides general information about the job. In simple words this written context describes the nature of the work. The job description is briefly taken from the job analysis and includes information about the workplace, work hours, salary, responsibilities, and other general information. Many people think that the job description covers the eligibility requirements for the position, but it does not, as it covers facts about the job that are general in nature. It means the job holder in this context, it summarizes the results or the commitments that will be taken from the person chosen for the specific position. All the tasks that a person will perform after being selected for the position are mentioned in the job description in the most concise way. It is the second most important readable context after the job specification, since at first one knows if one is eligible for the job or not. After being fit in terms of qualification, age and experience factor, a person attests to the job description to see if the job schedule will fit her lifestyle and if she will have enough to pay based on skills. In addition, the individual also verifies her role and primary job in the organization or company in the job description. The factor of age and experience an individual witnesses in the job description to know if the hours of the job will suit their lifestyle and if they will have enough to pay based on skills. In addition, the individual also verifies her role and primary job in the organization or company in the job description. age and experience factor an individual attests to the job description to know if the length of the job will fit her lifestyle and if she will have enough to pay based on skills. In addition, the individual also verifies her role and primary job in the organization or company in the job description. The individual also verifies the role and their main job in the organization or company in the job description. age and experience factor an individual attests to the job description to know if the length of the job will fit her lifestyle and if she will have enough to pay based on skills. In addition, the individual also verifies her role and primary job in the organization or company in the job description. The individual also verifies the role and their main job in the organization or company in the job description. age and experience factor an individual attests to the job description to know if the length of the job will fit her lifestyle and if she will have enough to pay based on skills. In addition, the individual also verifies her role and primary job in the organization or company in the job description.

What is the job specification?

The job specification is derived from the job description; It is one of the most important readable information for the job seeker as it informs about the eligibility criteria for a given position. The job specification contains information about the requirements for the vacancy. Provides specific information on age limit, minimum qualification, certificates, and experience. Specific information about the eligibility and requirements for the particular position is mentioned in the job specification. The one who after checking the job specification comes to know if he is eligible for the position. The job specification is more related to the qualification and qualities that are required for the job. Apart from the job specification, Similar information is also called the person specification, the man specification, or the employee specification. The job specification is a pertinent task for one to know the eligibilities and other requirements of the job in detail. The job specification contains the requirement for specific information about the job; it gives an individual a better understanding on the basis of the hiring.

Job Description vs. Job Specification

• The job description is prepared from the job analysis while the job specification is prepared from the job description.
• The job description deals with the nature of the position, including the duties and tasks to be performed, while the job specification deals with the eligibility and skills needed for the vacancy.
• The job description includes information about the workplace, hours of work, salary, responsibilities and other general information. On the other hand, the job specification gives specific information about age limit, minimum qualification, certificates and experience.
• The job description talks about what a person must do after being selected for the position, while the job specification deals with eligibility for that position.