Writing a Job Spec

A Job Specification should be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to be adapted to the needs of the organisation as new goals and challenges arise and the organisation goes through various phases of its evolution.

This means detailing current key objectives and ensuring employees are aware that priorities and therefore their job role will change over time. 

Key topics for a compelling Job Specification:

1. Goals and Objectives: Highlight the key challenges and goals associated with the role. Be honest and transparent as this will help prospective candidates to align their current experience against these. As well as allowing them to identify areas for growth and development.

2. Culture and Values: Describe the organisations's culture, values, and work environment. Allowing candidates an insight to the type of organisation they will be joining. 

3. Training and Development: Demonstrate how the organisation is willing to support continued growth and development, whether that be through funded study, in-house training, or promotion opportunities.

4. Job Title: Use a clear and concise job title that accurately reflects the role's responsibilities and level within the organisation.

5. Overview: Provide a brief overview of the organisation, its mission, and the team the role will be a part of. Use this section to demonstrate the purpose of the organisation and where this role fits in and contributes to the overall goals.

6. Key Responsibilities: Outline the primary duties and responsibilities associated with the role. Use bullet points for clarity and prioritise tasks based on importance.

7. Qualifications and Skills: Clearly list the qualifications, skills, and experience necessary to excel in the role. Differentiate between "must-have" and "nice-to-have" qualifications to help candidates assess their fit.

8. Interview Process: Clearly define the interview process including how many stages and what’s expected at each. This allows candidates to establish a clear understanding of where they are at all stages of the process and what to expect next. 

9. Package and Benefits: Detail the salary banding as well as all the perks and benefits on offer. 

The Job Specification should be reviewed regularly and altered in line with changing demands. It can be useful to use this document as part of regular performance meetings. If you find the job description no longer meets the needs of the role, you can quickly adapt it, so everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

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