A job description is a document that states an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and functions of a specific job in an organisation.

A job specification is a statement of the qualifications, personality traits, skills, etc. required by an individual to perform the job.

Differences between a job description and a job specification

Content

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

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

Measures

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

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

Usefulness

A 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.

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

Benefit

A job description statement helps the organisation to be clear about 'Who should do what'.

A job specification statement helps the management to make decisions regarding promotion, bonuses, internal transfers, and salary increases.