Recruitment documentation
Recruitment is the process of deciding who will fulfil a specific job role. There are a number of documents that form part of the recruitment process. These include the person specification, job description, application form and CV.
Person specification
A person specification is a document created by a business that wants to fill a vacancy. This document provides information about the type of person the business wants to hire. A person specification includes details about the educational background, skills, experience and hobbies the business wants applicants to have.
Often, a person specification is split into two sections â âessentialâ and âdesirableâ. If something is classed as essential, it means a person must have it in order to apply for the role. An example could be experience in a similar role or a certain qualification. In contrast, if something is classed as desirable, it means it is not a necessity to apply for the role, although it may give applicants a better chance of getting the job. An example could be having a master's degreeA graduate degree that is given to a student by a university, usually after one or two years of additional study following a bachelor's degree..
Job description
A job description is another document produced by a business that wants to fill a vacancy. Its main purpose is to list all of the duties that are required in the role. A job description may include the job title, rate of pay or salary, bonus information, hours of work, location of work, all duties included in the role and who the new employee would report to in the business.
Application form
An application form is completed by a potential employee when they apply for a job. It will often include a series of questions for a potential employee to answer, so that the business can learn more about them. It often includes a section for applicants to write about themselves and why they are the best candidate for the role.
Sometimes, instead of completing an application form, a potential employee is asked to write a letter of application, in which they demonstrate why they should be employed to fulfil the job role. Additionally, some applications require letters of reference, which are letters from an applicantâs previous employers about their skills, experience and character.
CV
A CV is a document that applicants complete and submit alongside a job application. CV stands for âcurriculum vitaeâ, which is Latin for âcourse of lifeâ. It is a personal document that includes information about an applicantâs skills, experience, qualifications and hobbies. This document is used by a business to decide whether applicants match the requirements of the person specification. Some roles only require a CV, with no application form, as this may encourage more applicants to apply.