Differences between a job description and a job specification

Content

Job description usually lists out the job title, location, job summary, working environment, duties to be performed on the job, etc.

Job specification lists out the qualifications, experience, training, skills, emotional attributes, mental capabilities of an individual to perform the job.

Measures

Job description measures the tasks and responsibilities attached to the job.

Job specification measures the capabilities that the job holder must possess to perform the job.

Usefulness

Job description offers ample information about the job which helps the management in evaluating the job performance and defining the training needs of an employee.

Job specification helps the candidates who are applying for a job to analyses whether they are eligible for a particular job or not.

Benefit

Job description statement helps the organization to be clear about 'Who should do what'.

Job specification statement helps the management to take decisions regarding promotion, bonus, internal transfers and salary increase.