IGCSE, A Level Business Student Forum

05 Distinguish between a ‘job description’ and ‘Person specification’. [3]

Hint: Make sure the answer is giving parallel response to both sides in KN, APP, AN respectively.

(KN) Job description is basically a document that highlights the responsibilities of the new recruit, whereas a person specification outlines the qualities needed by the applicant.
(APP) For example, if a car manufacturing company recruits a new employee, the job description would outline what the job involves and is less about the employee and more about the job itself. On the other hand, the person specification would outline the qualification required by the employee to carry out the job and is more about the employee than the job.
(AN) These detailed documents play a crucial role in creating a good image of the business on new recruits, making everything look more professional. This means the employee would be offered a healthy working environment as there wouldn't be unprofessional colleagues that act as distractions by talking about the world outside the corporate culture. Having offered a healthy working environment, the employee is quickly motivated and starts working efficiently.

Job description shows a guide of the daily work expected from an employee, whereas person specification is used to see if a person is suitable for a job. For example, a nurses job description shows what a nurse needs to do for the patient, whereas the person specification shows the relevant qualifications for the job. Hiring an employee who matches the person specification reduces mistakes and boosts efficiency, as hiring someone unsuitable is costly and disruptive, making the work environment strained.

[KN] Person specification are the qualities that are needed/required by a worker/employee whereas job description is a document that tells/lays out the responsibilities of the new recruit.
[APP] For example, in a restaurant, the job description for a waiter would say “serve food and take orders,” while the person specification would require “good communication skills and friendly attitude.”
[AN] Having both a job description and person specification makes recruitment more effective, because the business can clearly match the right applicant to the role. This creates a professional image, reduces the chance of hiring the wrong person, and improves efficiency in the workplace.

KN)
A job description explains what a job involves, like duties, responsibilities, and tasks.
A person specification explains the type of person needed for the job, including skills, experience, and qualifications.

(APP)
For example, in a clothing manufacturing company:

The job description for a sewing machine operator might list tasks like stitching, quality checking, and packing garments.

The person specification would say the worker should have experience in sewing, attention to detail, and good teamwork skills.

(AN)
The job description helps the business clarify what needs to be done, so workers know their duties.
The person specification helps the business choose the right candidate, ensuring they have the skills and qualities to do the job well.

[KN]A job description outlines the duties, responsibilities, and tasks involved in a specific job whereas a person specification describes the skills, qualifications, experience, and personal qualities that the ideal candidate should have.
[APP]An example in a grocery store a job description could be like the employee will stock shelves, assist customers etc whereas for person specification an example could be that the candidate should have good communication skills, previous retail experience etc.
[AN]This reduces confusion because employees know their responsibilities from the start. When expectations are clear, workers are less likely to make mistakes and so for the business this will lead towards a rise in efficiency hence higher output.

kn] job description means the daily objectives and chores of the employ in the firm which he had to perform
kn2] person specification is the ability a individual or a employ have for any work

KN: A job description explains the duties, responsibilities, and tasks of a job, while a person specification describes the qualifications, skills, and qualities required in a worker.

APP: For example, a job description for a cashier states duties like handling cash and serving customers, while the person specification states that the person must be honest and good at communication.

AN: Therefore, a job description focuses on what the job involves, whereas a person specification focuses on what kind of person is needed.

[KN] A job description explains the duties and responsibilities of a specific job role,
whereas a person specification outlines the skills, qualifications and qualities needed from the ideal candidate.
[APP] For example, in a clothing store, a job description would state tasks like arranging stock and serving customers,
while a person specification would require qualities such as good communication skills and previous retail experience.
[AN] This difference matters because the job description helps applicants understand what the job involves,
while the person specification helps employers choose the most suitable candidate ,for the candidate it sets the requirement for the job, improving the quality of recruitment.

kn]job description specifies what duties or work is to be performed while person specification tells about the employees qualifications and skills.
app]For example, in a grocery store, a job description would state tasks like arranging stock and serving customers, while a person specification would require qualities such as good communication skills and previous retail experience.
an]This difference matters because the job description helps applicants understand what the job involves,
while the person specification helps employers choose the most suitable candidate ,for the employee it sets a direction to work on, makes the labor specialized , improving the quality of recruitment.

Job description is a job summary in which it tells you what to do and what skills are needed
For example what work do you have to do as an employee in the office
Person specification is when you have specific skills that will help you to do well in it
For example being specialised in finance

(K)Person specification defines person's specifics. Job description is job's. (App) example is grocery store staff-job is 8 hours,has know names of all products and where they are,tasked with customers etc. Person specification-should be public person,communication etc. (An) ease in attracting right employees,also ease for firm on hiring right employees-labour's performance affects business' performance.

KN: Job description relates more to tasks wheras Person specification relates to the personality/character.
APP: Example a job description for an doctors jobs description will be to 'examine patients', their person specification may be to be 'flexible to varying work hours', or to be 'good at working in teams'
AN: Hence a job description usually remains fixed for the same job (e.g. same doctor job in different hospitals) wheras person specification changes from business to business. Furthermore job description usually is a determining factor for the employees skills and such, wheras person specification can be ill-suited for a job even if they are very good at their job itself. Job description is usually strict and a requirement to attain a job, wheras person specification can (to a small degree) be abit flexible.

A job description outlines the duties, responsibilities, and tasks involved in a specific job whereas a person specification describes the skills, qualifications, experience, and personal qualities that the ideal candidate should have.
An example in a grocery store a job description could be like the employee will stock shelves, assist customers etc whereas for person specification an example could be that the candidate should have good communication skills, previous retail experience etc.
This reduces confusion because employees know their responsibilities from the start. When expectations are clear, workers are less likely to make mistakes and so for the business this will lead towards a rise in efficiency hence higher output.

{KN}A job description outlines the duties and responsibilities of a role, whereas a person specification describes the skills,qualities and qualifications needed from the worker.
{APP}For example,in a supermarket, a job description for a cashier may include tasks like scanning products and handling payments,while the person specification may require good communication skills and basic numeracy.
{AN}This distinction matters because it helps the business hire suitable staff the job description ensures applicants understand what the role involves, while the person specification helps HR shortlist candidates who meet the required qualities,improving recruitment effectiveness.