Job description and person specification

The job description and person specification are the foundation of the recruitment process. They will inform your shortlisting, interview questions / tasks and how candidates are scored.

Job description

• Outlines the role’s purpose, duties, and responsibilities.
• Must be clear, concise, and free of jargon.
• Include job title, reporting lines, organisational unit, overall purpose, and key responsibilities.
• Description of your team’s objectives and dynamics.
• Must include this sentence: "The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community."
• For teaching roles, give this aspect of the role equal prominence to research. Also highlight key responsibilities in this area – may include course unit / programme development, student interaction, innovation or leadership.

Person specification

• Identifies key characteristics for being effective in the role.
• Outlines necessary skills, knowledge, and experience – both ‘essential’ and ‘desirable’.
• Focuses on essential requirements for the role, without discrimination.