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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.

HERA evaluation

All new and amended job descriptions must go to your People and OD Partner before recruitment. They will ensure that it's evaluated through HERA and the job is correctly graded.

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.