Person specification
A person specification makes it clear what skills, knowledge and experience you want your new employee to have. While not a legal requirement, it can help you to:
- write an advertisement
- develop and implement a policy of equal opportunity
- conduct interviews fairly and systematically
- identify training needs for your new employee
It does not need to be a complicated or detailed document, but should include:
- qualifications
- skills (what the person can do)
- knowledge (what they know)
- experience (where and how they have used their knowledge and skills)
- any other special qualities they need
You need to make it clear which of these criteria are essential and which desirable.
You might find it helpful to use a 
Person specification template.
On special qualities, ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) cautions:
"any criteria relating to personal qualities or circumstances must be essential and directly related to the job, and must be applied equally to all groups irrespective of age, sex, race, age, nationality, creed, disability, membership or non-membership of a trade union."
You'll find more about person specification in:
- Business Link's Recruitment and getting started
- The ACAS advisory booklet Recruitment and induction - ACAS helpline advisers can also answer your questions on 08457 47 47 47.
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