Final answer:
Job specifications are the elements that outline the necessary KSAOs for a job and describe what is required from potential employees. They are a result of detailed job analyses that can involve observation, surveys, and interviews, and are often used by I-O psychologists to aid in employee selection and training.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements that delineate the KSAOs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other characteristics) deemed necessary to perform the job and describe the people requirements are known as Job specifications. Job specifications are derived from job analysis, which is a process used to identify the tasks, duties, and responsibilities of a job and the attributes needed to perform it successfully. It involves various techniques, such as observation, surveys, and interviews, to gather information from current job holders and their supervisors. The knowledge and skills required can often be found in job advertisements and are crucial for selecting employees that best match the job's demands.
The United States Department of Labor provides a resource called O*NET, which hosts a comprehensive database of job analyses covering many occupations. On O*NET, one can find a list of tasks, as well as detailed KSAOs needed for various jobs, potentially aiding both employers and job seekers. Industrial-organizational psychologists who study the intersection of people and work roles may use these analyses to help organizations align their workforce with job expectations, from employee selection to training and performance appraisal.