1. the general categories of tasks or duties that define the nature of a particular job, such as clerical duties, receptionist duties, or decision-making responsibilities. In compiling job descriptions, it is customary to define the key dimensions of a job instead of providing an exhaustive list of all the tasks that will be required.

2. general areas of competence, personality traits, or attitudes that are thought to be essential to the performance of a job, such as ambition, attention to detail, or interpersonal skills. These attributes may be included in personnel specifications in addition to more specific skills and qualifications, such as directly related work experience or fluency in a particular language.

3. see job-characteristics model.