Job Descriptions and Specifications

Before managers can effectively manage employees’ competencies, attitudes, and behaviors, they need to have a clear understanding of job tasks and job specifications. A job description is a written summary of the specific tasks, responsibilities, and working conditions of a job.

Job specifications are the competencies - the knowledge, skills, abilities, or other talents - that a jobholder must have in order to perform the job successfully. Job descriptions and job specifications are technically separate, but most companies include job specifications as part of the job description.

Given the importance of job descriptions and specifications, both for company success and legal compliance, it is critical that these documents accurately represent each job. The accuracy in identifying the tasks and qualifications of a job rely on collecting and analyzing information about each job - a process called job analysis.