En kravprofil är inte en annons. Det är inte heller en lista över allt man önskar att den ideala kandidaten ska ha. Det är ett strategiskt dokument som definierar vad rollen faktiskt kräver – och som avgör om hela rekryteringsprocessen håller rätt riktning.
In my experience, a poorly developed job profile is the most common reason recruitments go wrong. Not flawed interview techniques or a weak job advert — but never having clearly established what you are looking for in the first place.
What is often missing
Most job profiles are written backwards. They describe who has held the role previously rather than who is needed next. Or they use formulations so generic — ‘strong communicator’, ‘results-driven’, ‘comfortable in a changing environment’ — that they say nothing of practical value.
A good job profile also sets clear priorities. Not all requirements are equally important. What is absolutely necessary from day one? What can be learned on the job? What is desirable but not critical? That distinction is difficult to make, but it is fundamental to a sound selection process.
What a considered job profile contains
A description of what the role should have achieved within twelve months — concrete and measurable, not a list of areas of responsibility.
En analys av den kontext personen kliver in i. Vilken fas befinner sig bolaget i? Vilka utmaningar väntar? Vilket leadership kräver situationen?
A clear distinction between essential requirements and desirable ones — ideally ranked.
A description of the type of person who tends to thrive and succeed in the organization’s culture. This is not about cloning existing employees, but about being honest about what the environment actually demands.
An investment that always pays off
Taking half a day to work through the job profile properly — ideally with someone who asks the difficult questions — is one of the best investments you can make in recruitment. It saves time, reduces the risk of a poor hire, and makes the entire process more focused.
It is also the first thing I do when I take on a recruitment assignment.
If you have thoughts, questions, or simply want to talk something through — feel free to get in touch. I am happy to have an initial conversation with no agenda.
Magdalena Hagström Ståhl
By M Consulting AB
Right person. Right place. Everything changes.