job specification

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "job specification" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of defining the requirements, responsibilities, and qualifications for a specific job position. Example: "Before we start the hiring process, we need to create a detailed job specification to attract the right candidates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do your skills match the job specification?

The Guardian

How you write your CV depends on the job specification and your background.

The Guardian

Look at the job specification and consider what the client might be looking for.

The Guardian

Before starting an application, think carefully about how your skills relate to the job specification.

The Guardian

Has your output, profitability or job specification significantly increased or grown?

The Guardian

Assessing player talent is a big part of the manager's job specification, after all.

The Guardian - Sport

I'd say the job specification is closer to that of a barrister than that of a journalist.

The Guardian

You've got to get the people who make the appointments, who draw up the job specification," she said.

The Guardian

And so it goes on.Mr Major has his virtues as well as his faults: re-read the job specification.

The Economist

I started applying for jobs within charities, realising that I often met the job specification even when the job title was different.

The Guardian

It's important to read the job specification carefully and ensure not only that your skills and experience match but you reflect this in your statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use clear, concise language in a "job specification" to avoid ambiguity and ensure candidates understand the role's requirements.

Common error

Avoid making the "job specification" too broad. An overly broad specification can discourage qualified candidates who may feel they don't meet every single requirement, even if they possess the core skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "job specification" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a detailed description of the qualifications, skills, and attributes required for a specific job. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "job specification" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that defines the requirements for a particular job. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news media, science, and formal business contexts. Key related phrases include "job description" and "position requirements". When using the phrase, clarity and specificity are crucial to avoid overly broad requirements that might discourage qualified candidates. Always consider the context and target audience when crafting or interpreting a "job specification".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Job description

Focuses more on the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of a job.

Position requirements

Emphasizes the qualifications and skills needed for a role.

Role definition

Highlights the scope and purpose of a job within an organization.

Duties and responsibilities

Lists specific tasks and accountabilities associated with a job.

Work scope

Defines the breadth and limitations of a job's activities.

Task breakdown

Details the individual tasks that comprise a job.

Employment conditions

Covers the terms and expectations of employment for a specific role.

Skills matrix

Maps out required skills and competencies for different job roles.

Job role outline

Provides a general overview of a job's purpose and key responsibilities.

Personnel profile

Describes the ideal characteristics and qualifications of a person for a given job.

FAQs

What is the difference between a "job specification" and a job description?

A "job specification" focuses on the skills, qualifications, and personal attributes needed to perform a job, while a job description details the tasks, responsibilities, and duties of the role. Think of the "job description" as what the job is, and the "job specification" as who the ideal person for the job is.

How detailed should a "job specification" be?

A "job specification" should be detailed enough to provide a clear picture of the ideal candidate, but not so restrictive that it limits the pool of qualified applicants. Balance specificity with flexibility.

What are some key elements to include in a "job specification"?

Key elements include essential and desired qualifications, skills, experience, personal attributes, and any specific certifications or licenses required. It should also align with the company's overall culture and values.

Where can I find examples of well-written "job specification"?

You can find examples on company career pages, job boards, and professional resources. Look for roles similar to the one you're creating a "job specification" for to get an idea of common requirements and desired skills.