Person Specification -- weighting of items

I applied for a job recently.  As part of the application, I review the 20+ items on the person specification.  The specification came with a ranking system ("low", "medium", and "high").  All 20+ items were ranked "high".  At first I thought this must be an error, but it was not.  I could understand if most of the items were ranked "medium", but how could all of them be "high"?  I scratched my head a bit.

The application is done and dusted, but I thought I'd ask you experienced folks what your thoughts are on this.  Would you expect some person specifications to weigh every item equally?

I wouldn't... and while I'm not sure what you've applied for, I'm not certain that I'd want to work in a place like that. Because I'd think that either the expectations would likely be unreasonably high, or they're incredibly poor at prioritising.

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I wouldn't... and while I'm not sure what you've applied for, I'm not certain that I'd want to work in a place like that. Because I'd think that either the expectations would likely be unreasonably high, or they're incredibly poor at prioritising.

Thanks for your thoughts.  I had some similar ones, and I decided it was worth applying.  I am not (yet?) in a situation where I am ready to be too discerning about where I apply, but I'll be keeping an eye out for other, similar signs if I am interviewed.

No, that's completely understandable! Maybe you'll be the one to whip them into shape

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When I applied for jobs a few years ago, I ran into similar adverts.  The person specifications had lists of skills/knowledge/etc and they were ranked either essential or desirable.

The lists were about 15-25 items long, and at most, only two of the items on any one list were marked as desirable.  The rest were essential.

The lists were about 15-25 items long, and at most, only two of the items on any one list were marked as desirable.  The rest were essential.

Sorry I missed this reply, Aquila.  Thanks for sharing your experience.

By way of update, the job in question has been re-advertised.  The advertisement is identical to the original advertisement, including the weighting of items on the person specification.  (I had not been contacted after my original application submission.)

I wouldn't... and while I'm not sure what you've applied for, I'm not certain that I'd want to work in a place like that. Because I'd think that either the expectations would likely be unreasonably high, or they're incredibly poor at prioritising.

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Agreed.

I always wonder in these situations whether the organisation knows what they are looking for or whether they expect too much for too little, IYKWIM.

I always wonder in these situations whether the organisation knows what they are looking for or whether they expect too much for too little, IYKWIM.

Hahaha!  I know what you mean, but I had to look up 'IYKWIM' to see what it meant.    hehehehehehe