AI Disclaimer: Holly's spec generation feature is designed to support your judgment, not replace it. Always review AI-generated content for accuracy, alignment with your agency's classification system, and compliance with applicable civil service rules before publishing or adopting any specification.
What is the AI Spec Builder?
Writing a class spec from scratch is time-consuming. Starting with a blank page, tracking down comparable specs from other jurisdictions, and making sure the language matches your agency's classification system can take hours — even for experienced HR analysts.
Holly's AI spec builder shortens that process by generating a structured draft based on the details you provide. The more context you give it, the more usable the output. Think of it as a well-informed first draft, not a finished product.
How to Build a New Spec with AI
Navigate to the Class Specifications section in Holly.
Click New Specification and select Build with AI.
Fill out the fields in the Build new specification with AI modal (see below for guidance on each field).
Click Generate.
Understanding Each Field
Job Title (Required)
Enter the full working title of the position as it should appear in the spec. Be specific — include the level if applicable.
Role Definition (Required)
This is the most important field. The placeholder text says it well: include the main purpose of the role, key responsibilities, required qualifications, and any special certifications.
Aim for 3–5 sentences. You don't need to write the spec here — you're giving the AI enough to write it for you.
Weaker:
"Responsible for HR work in the department."
Stronger:
"This journey-level position supports the agency's classification and compensation program. Core responsibilities include conducting desk audits, analyzing benchmark data, preparing salary recommendations, and responding to employee classification inquiries. The role requires knowledge of public sector HR principles and typically reports to the HR Manager. A bachelor's degree in HR or a related field plus two years of experience is expected."
Tips:
Name the level. Entry, journey, senior, and supervisory produce meaningfully different outputs.
List 3–5 core duties. Focus on the most important responsibilities, not an exhaustive list.
Mention reporting relationships if they matter (e.g., "reports to the Division Director," "supervises two HR Technicians").
Note special certifications if required (e.g., PHR, IPMA-CP, valid driver's license).
Additional Context (Optional)
Use this field to give Holly information that doesn't fit neatly into the role definition — things like your agency's classification framework, pay structure, or source material you've uploaded.
Good things to include here:
Details on how this class specification fits into the greater picture (e.g., "We use a broadband pay structure" or "This is part of a five-level series")
Notes from SME interviews or org chart details
Instructions for how to use any files you've uploaded (e.g., "The uploaded spec is from a neighboring county — use it as a format reference only, not for duties")
Formatting preferences (e.g., "Use bullet points for the duties section" or "Include a minimum qualifications section with both education and experience")
This field is optional but often the difference between a generic draft and one that feels tailored to your agency.
Files (Optional)
You can upload PDFs or Word documents to give the AI reference material. Useful uploads include:
Existing specs in the same series (so the AI can match format and language)
Specs from other jurisdictions for a comparable role
Position descriptions or job questionnaires for the role being classified
MOU sections or civil service rules that affect qualifications
If you upload files, use the Additional Context field to tell the AI how to use them — for example, whether they're format references, source material for duties, or benchmarking comparisons.
Salary Range (Optional)
If your agency has an established pay range for this classification, enter it here. This helps the AI calibrate qualifications language and level descriptors appropriately.
After You Generate
Holly will produce a full draft spec based on your inputs. From there you can:
Edit any section directly in the spec editor
Regenerate with revised inputs if the draft misses the mark
Compare the draft against existing specs in your series
The AI draft is a starting point — plan to review duties, qualifications, and distinguishing characteristics before finalizing.