What is the difference between a requisition and a job description?

A requisition is the internal approval and budget record that authorizes hiring for a role. A job description is the outward-facing document that markets the position to candidates. The requisition comes first and feeds the details used to write the description.

Who needs to approve a job requisition?

Typically the hiring manager initiates it, with sign-off from finance for budget and from a department head or HR for headcount. Senior roles may need executive approval. The checklist should list every required approver so nothing moves forward without full authorization.

Why do requisitions get rejected or delayed?

Common reasons include missing budget approval, unclear job scope, salary bands that fall outside range, or headcount that was not planned. A complete requisition checklist catches these gaps before submission, which reduces back-and-forth and speeds approval.

Free Job Requisition Checklist Checklist

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Job Requisition Checklist

Position Title:

Department:

Requested By:

Pay Grade:

Role Definition

Define the business need for the roleDetermine the position type and levelOutline core responsibilities and dutiesIdentify required qualifications and skillsConfirm budget availability for the roleEstablish the salary range and pay gradeDefine the benefits and perks package

Approvals

Get financial approval from leadershipSubmit requisition to the hiring managerObtain HR department review and sign-offSecure executive or VP-level approvalLog the approved requisition in the ATS

Job Description

Draft the job description contentReview for inclusive and unbiased languageAdd compliance and legal disclaimersFinalize and attach to the requisition

Posting Setup

Select target job boards and platformsDetermine the internal posting timelineAssign a recruiter to the requisitionSet the target fill date and milestones

The complete guide

Everything you need to know

01What Is the Job Requisition Checklist?

A job requisition checklist confirms that a role is fully defined and approved before recruiting begins. It captures the business justification, budget, headcount approval, reporting line, salary band, and required skills. Think of it as the gate a role must pass through before it becomes an open job. Completing it means every stakeholder agrees on why the position exists and what it should deliver.

02Why Use a Job Requisition Checklist

Many hiring delays start before a job is even posted, caused by unclear scope or missing sign-off. A requisition checklist forces those questions to be answered early, so recruiters do not chase details mid-search. It protects budget by tying each role to an approved cost center and prevents surprise headcount. Clear requisitions also produce sharper job descriptions and faster manager alignment.

03How to Use This Job Requisition Checklist

Have the hiring manager complete the checklist before submitting the role to recruiting. Verify budget approval and salary band with finance, then confirm the reporting structure and success metrics. Only mark the requisition ready once every field is filled and the required approvers have signed. Attach the completed checklist to the requisition record so recruiters have full context from day one.

Job Requisition Checklist

Job Requisition Checklist

Role Definition

Approvals

Job Description

Posting Setup

Everything you need to know

01What Is the Job Requisition Checklist?

02Why Use a Job Requisition Checklist

03How to Use This Job Requisition Checklist

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