Select (tick) whether the stated criteria are essential or desirable, and from where the criteria are identified in the application process.

Guidelines Notes for Completion of Person Specification

The Person Specification is fundamental to the entire Recruitment and Selection process. It is important that this document is completed at the beginning of the process reflecting only criteria that are required in order for a candidate to be able to fulfil the duties of the post. Care must be taken to ensure that criteria that could be seen as discriminatory are not used.

If any complaints are made regarding discrimination during recruitment, evidence of a comprehensive, fair person specification will be considered during any investigation.

An outline of each of the categories within the Person Specification is given below; however please contact [contact details] if you have any queries regarding this.

Essential Criteria

These are criteria that the applicant must meet in order to be capable of performing the duties of the post.

Desirable Criteria

These criteria are not fundamental requirements of the post, and the successful applicant may not meet all of these. Characteristics within this category may be ones for which training could be provided once the applicant is appointed.

To be Identified By

Note where you would expect to find this information, e.g., application form, references, interview, certificates.

Points to consider when writing the Person Specification:

Qualifications/Training

Does the post require particular qualifications, e.g., Standard grades/Highers, degree standard – in particular subjects? Is a professional qualification necessary? Is any specialist training required, e.g., first aid certificate, Microsoft Excel? Could experience in a particular area be an alternative to formal qualifications?

Experience

What level of experience is required? Does this need to be in a similar environment to this post? Is supervisory or management experience required? Is past experience of particular areas of work required, e.g., dealing with the public, keeping customer records, cash handling? Could voluntary work or spare time activities be classed as relevant experience?

Practical & Intellectual Skills

What special skills are required of the post-holder? Should they have diagnostic/problem-solving skills? Are good communication and interpersonal skills required? Should they be able to write or prepare letters and reports? Are they required to have potential leadership abilities?

Special Knowledge

Does the post require knowledge of, e.g., particular legislation, IT systems? Do they need to be able to drive?

Disposition/Attitude

Does the post require a team player; an individualist; an assertive personality; a willingness to make decisions? Is the post-holder required to work under pressure, to tight deadlines? Will they be closely supervised; or work on their own initiative?

Circumstances/Personal

Will the post involve working shifts, participating on an on-call rota, overtime working, etc.?

Is there a requirement for the post-holder to have a driving licence? Driving licences should only be classed as essential in posts that are actual driving posts.