Understanding Job Descriptions vs. Job Specifications: Insights from Experienced Professionals?

What is the difference between a job description and a job specification? Suggestions are welcomed from seniors/professionals.

Regards,
Manish

Dear Manish,

A job description is a list of tasks, responsibilities, the nature of the job that a person needs to handle for a particular position. Job specification includes skills, knowledge, qualifications, etc., that are required to perform a particular job.

Hope you are clear with the concept.

Hi Manish,

A job specification describes the duties and other job-related information common to a particular title. A job description provides the same information, but it is for a specific position.

For example, a job specification for an Accounting Clerk I will list the duties that anyone holding the Accounting Clerk I title could be expected to perform. A job description, however, will list only the duties assigned to a particular Accounting Clerk I, such as those occupied by staff in the Bookstore.

I hope it will help you.

Deepali

Hi,

A job description is basically the duties and responsibilities designed for a specific post. It describes the nature of duties and responsibilities, reporting structure, qualifications, and experience required to perform the job, etc. A job specification is mainly concerned with the performance of the job. It includes skills, knowledge, abilities, attitudes, etc. A job description is a standard, whereas job specification varies from person to person. A job description is done to define the outline structure of the job in a department, whereas job specification is mainly done to evaluate the person for performance appraisal, training needs identification, etc.

Suresh

Job description basically includes what are the responsibilities to be performed by an individual related to the job. It actually tells the nature of the job, content, and title of the job, and under what conditions the job is to be performed. It also answers the purpose of a job.

Whereas, job specification means what are the physical, behavioral characteristics required for a job. It can be knowledge, skills, abilities, strengths related to the job. Skills required by the marketing manager can be different from what is required by an HR manager.

Shalini Tyagi Officer-HR

Job analysis
The procedure for determining the duties and skill requirements of a job and the kind of person who should be hired for it.
Job description
A list of a job's duties, responsibilities, reporting relationships, working conditions, and supervisory responsibilities—one product of a job analysis.
Job specifications
A list of a job's “human requirements,” that is, the requisite education, skills, personality, and so on—another product of a job analysis
hope i made it clear

Dear,

The difference between a JD and JS is as follows:
Job Description describes the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of the person.
Job Specification describes the required KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities) needed for the position.