Person Specification – Is a description of the qualifications, skills, experience, knowledge or other attributes which a candidate must possess to perform a job that has become vacant

To remember what person specification means use the following mnemonic:

Every person must meet certain specifications (person specification) to work here. This document states the qualifications, experience and skills required. 

A person specification is a document that describes the skills, knowledge, experience, and personal qualities that an employer is looking for in a potential employee for a particular role. It is typically used in conjunction with a job description, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of the role. A person specification should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should be tailored to the specific role that is being advertised, and it should be based on the employer’s needs and requirements.

The person specification should include the following information:

• Essential skills and knowledge: These are the skills and knowledge that are essential to the role.
• Desirable skills and knowledge: These are the skills and knowledge that would be beneficial for the role, but are not essential.
• Experience: The level of experience that is required for the role.
• Personal qualities: The personal qualities that the employer is looking for in a candidate.
  
  

The person specification can be used to screen CVs and applications, and it can also be used to help assess candidates during interviews. It is a valuable tool for employers if used properly.

The following examples are person specifications for two different jobs.

Example 1

Job Title: Registered Nurse.

Essential Requirements:

• Registered nurse (RGN) with current NMC registration.
• 2+ years of experience in a clinical setting.
• Strong skills in patient assessment and care.
• Experience with a variety of medical equipment.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Compassionate and empathetic.
  
  

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in a specific clinical area (e.g. critical care, paediatrics, oncology).
• Experience with teaching and mentoring.
• Experience with research and evidence-based practice.
• Bilingual in English and another language.
  
  

Personal Qualities:

• Professional and ethical.
• Patient-centred.
• Resilient and adaptable.
• Team player.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
  
  

Example 2

Job Title: Lumberjack.

Essential requirements:

• Strong physical fitness and stamina.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Experience with chainsaws and other logging equipment.
• Excellent safety awareness.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in remote and sometimes dangerous environments.
  
  

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in a specific logging operation (e.g. clearcutting, selective logging).
• Experience with GPS and other navigation equipment.
• Experience with first aid and CPR.
• Bilingual in English and another language.
  
  

Personal Qualities:

• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Hardworking and dedicated.
• Team player with strong communication skills.
• Adaptable and able to work under pressure.
• Willing to learn new skills.
  
  

As you can see, these vastly different jobs require very different requirements, although they both do require some fundamental personal qualities such as being able to work well individually and in a team.