A resume is crucial to getting you a job, whether it's hiring season or you're looking to change careers. Your objectives for your future, as well as your prior accomplishments, are reflected in your CV. 

However, the distinction between a job description and a job specification is one fundamental component of a resume that many need clarification on. Although they may appear identical, there is a significant distinction between the two names. 

Let's first examine the particular meanings of the two terminologies to grasp the differences.

Job Description: Definition

Simply put, a job description describes the specifics of a job profile and the duties that go along with it. The many terms and conditions of the job are also included. 

A corporation uses job descriptions to help applicants understand the position they are applying for. 

To clarify to recruiters what duties and obligations you are trained for, you can also include the job description in your resume or cover letter. 

A job description is crucial to clarify expectations for both the employer and the candidate. The job description's elements include the following:

• Job Summary
• Working Conditions of the Job
• Job Title 
• Responsibilities and Duties Associated with the Job
• Location of the Job 
• Nature of Supervision

Job Specification: Definition

On the other hand, specifying the professional abilities and knowledge needed for a job description is known as job specification. 

The job specification communicates the type of education and experience required for a given employment role. 

Recruiters primarily utilize this to screen applicants and choose the best candidates. Job descriptions may also list the personal qualities you must possess to be considered qualified for that position. A job specification's components include

• Mental Attributes of the Eligible Candidate
• Social abilities of the Candidate
• Physical Attributes Required by the Candidate
• Behavioral and Personal Characteristics of the Candidate 

Advantages of Job Description

The following are some of the advantages of the job description for both the employer and the job seekers:

• By aligning with the criteria for candidate selection, job descriptions streamline the hiring process and lighten the strain on the human resources department.
• It is different from the content listed in the job specifications because it is fundamental to creating them.
• Because they possess the critical competencies listed in the job description, it aids the organization in finding the most qualified applicants.
• For job seekers, the job description gives a brief overview of the organization and the prospects it offers.
• It offers a detailed description of the work responsibilities and the ideal applicant's requirements.
• Additionally, it acquaints the candidates with the company's overall work atmosphere.

Advantages of Job Specification

The human resource personnel of a business can effectively save time by answering every call and repeatedly describing the job profile by providing job specifications and job descriptions for the open profiles. 

The main benefits of posting job criteria for available job openings in an organization are listed below.

• It efficiently saves the recruitment team time by outlining the essential qualifications for a particular post clearly and straightforwardly.
• The human resource manager's decision to list all the training and orientation requirements is a fundamental standard.
• It serves as a thorough summary of the job description.
• It aids candidates in locating the finest opportunities available by matching their profiles with the skills and certifications needed.
• It creates the fundamental framework for employee performance evaluation and analysis.

Disadvantages of Job Description

• A job description changes as the company expands; it never stays the same.
• It only emphasizes a job's positive features. The drawbacks are entirely disregarded.

Disadvantages of Job Specification

• As technology develops, the company's requirements for a particular role could change.
• Writing a job definition requires extensive knowledge and skill and takes time.

Job Description Vs. Job Specification: Key Differences

To make it easier to understand below is a comparison of job descriptions and job specifications in a table:

Measuring Criteria	Job Description	Job Specification
Measures	It measures the responsibilities and tasks of the job profile.	Measures the hard and soft skills along with domain-specific knowledge of the candidate.
Content	It entails the summary, the job title, the working environment, duties to be performed, location, etc.	It involves work experience, educational qualifications, training experience, personal abilities, etc.
Benefit	This statement helps in avoiding confusion among the workers about their duties.	This statement helps the management make decisions about the growth of each individual in the company.
Usefulness	This statement allows the management to evaluate individual workers and list specific training necessities.	This statement helps the candidate self-analyze whether they are eligible for the job.