...behind this part in some job adverts:


Skills Requirements

Organised
Hard working
Able to work in a fast paced environment
Punctual
Excellent communication skills
Self-motivated
IT literate
Able to work independently as well as in a team
Enthusiastic
Smart appearance
Has at least 5 years relevant experience
Holds a relevant formal qualification



Wouldn't it make sense to just start with the last 2 points?

It would be like someone on here seeking new car recommendations and listing their requirements as:

4 doors
Diesel
Leather seats
AC
Automatic
Cruise control
Electric windows
Spacious boot
Rear wheel drive
Sunroof
Is a BMW

Links into the essential and desirable criteria, can be used to help matrix scoring when lots of applicants apply, helps evidence there is no direct or indirect discrimination. It could also be called upon in the event of staff performance, legal action or a tribunal.

In car terms wouldn’t the last two in your list be akin to saying you’ve got a full licence and insurance?

Organised <--- subjective
Hard working <--- subjective
Able to work in a fast paced environment <--- subjective
Punctual <--- objective
Excellent communication skills <--- subjective
Self-motivated <--- subjective
IT literate <--- partly objective; insufficiently defined
Able to work independently as well as in a team <--- subjective
Enthusiastic <--- subjective
Smart appearance <--- subjective
Has at least 5 years relevant experience <--- objective
Holds a relevant formal qualification <--- objective

Whoever drafted that person 'specification' needs to hand back their professional qualification.

3.5/12, could do better.

Most of that could be determined at interview, surely recruiters want to know that you have the skills that match what they are looking for? How many people didn’t apply because they wouldn’t be enthusiastic enough or able to dress smartly for the interview?!

I always thought that, but when I ran a number of recruitment processes I’m my last job the HR advisors were pretty clear about what must go into the job advert to head off challenges later down the line. Discouraging all but the very determined was also seen as a plus.

The original list of requirements normally includes a pay rate just above the minimum wage.

Since when has being punctual been a skill?

And whenever I read "self motivated" and "able to work alone or as part of a team" I assume it means your management will be poor, useless, unsupportive or totally missing.

But to be positive, if you want to have a good shot at getting the job, provide proof with examples of previous successes that meet the characteristics that they think they are looking for. All of a sudden you look like the candidate they want. It is all a game that one can learn to play.

With the adverts I'm talking about it's not a case of them discouraging applicants who aren't committed, but rather them wasting the time of non suitable applicants.

If the ad just made it clear from the start that you need to have a formal qualification/extensive experience then anyone who doesn't have these two quite tangible qualities wouldn't have to continue reading the advert.

Am not 100% sure but I’ll wager there is some euro originated equalities legislation that prevents it...