Person Specification Template Form

What is the Person Specification Template

The person specification template is a structured document that outlines the essential and desirable qualities, skills, and experiences required for a specific role within an organization. This template serves as a guide for employers to define the ideal candidate profile, ensuring that recruitment efforts align with organizational needs. It typically includes sections for qualifications, competencies, and personal attributes, providing a clear framework for evaluating applicants.

How to use the Person Specification Template

Using the person specification template involves several key steps. First, identify the specific role and its responsibilities. Next, outline the essential qualifications and skills required for the position. It is also important to include desirable attributes that would enhance a candidate's suitability. Once the template is filled out, it can be used in conjunction with job descriptions to guide the recruitment process, ensuring that all candidates are assessed against the same criteria.

Key elements of the Person Specification Template

Key elements of a person specification template typically include:

• Job Title: The specific title of the position.
• Essential Criteria: The minimum qualifications and skills required.
• Desirable Criteria: Additional skills that would benefit the role.
• Experience: Relevant work experience needed for the position.
• Personal Attributes: Characteristics that align with the company culture.

These elements help to create a comprehensive overview of what is expected from candidates, making the hiring process more transparent and effective.

Steps to complete the Person Specification Template

Completing the person specification template involves several straightforward steps:

1. Define the role: Clearly outline the job title and main responsibilities.
2. Identify essential criteria: List the must-have qualifications and skills.
3. Determine desirable criteria: Include additional skills that would enhance a candidate's profile.
4. Specify experience requirements: Detail the necessary work experience.
5. Highlight personal attributes: Describe the characteristics that fit the company culture.

Following these steps ensures that the template is comprehensive and tailored to the specific needs of the organization.

Legal use of the Person Specification Template

The legal use of a person specification template is crucial in the hiring process to ensure compliance with employment laws. It should be used to avoid discrimination by focusing solely on the qualifications and attributes relevant to the job. Employers must ensure that the criteria listed do not inadvertently exclude candidates based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, or age. This adherence to legal standards promotes fairness and transparency in recruitment practices.

Examples of using the Person Specification Template

Examples of using a person specification template can vary by industry and role. For instance, in a healthcare setting, a person specification may emphasize qualifications such as medical licenses and specific certifications, along with soft skills like empathy and communication. In a tech role, the template might focus on programming languages and problem-solving abilities. These examples illustrate how the template can be tailored to meet the unique demands of different positions.