A Person Specification should describe the knowledge, skills and attributes that are essential to perform the job. The Person Specification must be drawn up before advertisement and helps ensure objectivity in the processes of shortlisting and selection. To be effective, the requirements in the Person Specifications must: -
- be specific and measurable
- be justifiable in relation to the job needs
- be not unnecessarily restrictive (for example, in relation to qualifications required)
Essential criteria are those which a successful appointee must possess otherwise they will be unable to adequately perform the job. Inflation of the job (for example, the level or type of qualification required) should be avoided.
Desirable criteria are those that may enable the candidate to perform better or require a shorter familiarisation period.
Further guidance on Evidencing the Criteria is available by clicking this link.
Person Specification Library
Please click on any of the links below to view model person specifications. These person specifications are from real vacancies. The library of jobs will continue to be added to as more examples become available.- Blank example
- Grade 3 (Admin Assistant)
- Grade 4 (Admin Assistant)
- Grade 4 (UG/PG Assistant)
- Grade 4 (Admissions Coordinator)
- Grade 5 (Programme Assistant)
- Grade 5 (Research Technician)
- Grade 6 (Technician)
- Grade 6 (Admissions Officer)
- Grade 6 (Departmental Officer)
- Grade 7 (Project Manager)
- Grade 7 (Research Support Officer)
- Grade 8 (Faculty Administrator)
- Example - Professional
- Example - Support-Administrative
- Example - Support-Technical
- Example - Support-Manual
- Example - Research Associate/Senior Research Associate
- Example - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
David Owen
August 2011