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Rewriting an Existing Class Spec with AI

Holly can redraft an existing class specification using AI — here's how to use the Additional Information field to get the best possible rewrite.

AI Disclaimer: Holly's rewrite 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 Rewrite Spec with AI?

Sometimes a spec becomes outdated. Duties have shifted, the language is stale, minimum qualifications no longer reflect what the role actually requires, or a reclassification study has changed the scope of the position.

Holly's rewrite feature takes your existing specification as its starting point and regenerates it based on the additional information you provide. You're not starting from scratch — you're directing a targeted revision. The more specific your instructions, the closer the output will be to what you need.


How to Rewrite a Spec with AI

  1. Open the class specification you want to revise in Holly.

  2. Click the Rewrite with AI option.

  3. In the Rewrite spec with AI modal, enter your instructions in the Additional information field.

  4. Click Rewrite.


What to Put in the Additional Information Field

This is the only field in the modal, and it's doing a lot of work. Holly already has your existing spec — what it needs from you is direction. Think of this field as your instruction to a colleague who's been asked to revise the document.

The placeholder text puts it plainly: the more information you provide, the better the output. A single vague sentence will produce a minor cosmetic refresh. Specific, targeted instructions will produce a meaningful revision.

Common things to include

Revision

Sample Prompt

Scope or duty changes:

"The role has expanded to include oversight of the applicant tracking system and onboarding coordination. Remove references to paper-based filing and add language around HRIS data integrity."

Add/remove supervisory responsibilities:

"This position is being reclassified to include supervisory responsibilities. Update the duties, decision-making authority, and minimum qualifications accordingly."

Update Education Requirements:

"Replace the associate degree minimum with a bachelor's degree requirement. Add two years of public sector experience as a requirement. A SHRM or IPMA certification should be listed as desirable."

Language or format modernization:

"Update outdated language throughout. The current spec uses passive voice heavily — revise for clarity and plain language. Restructure the duties section into bullet points."

MOU or policy-driven changes:

"Per our updated MOU, the physical requirements section needs to reflect light office work only. Remove the previous language about field work."

Incorporating feedback from a desk audit or SME interview:

"Attached are notes from a recent desk audit. The incumbent spends roughly 60% of their time on benefits administration, which is not reflected in the current spec. Revise the duties section to reflect this."


Tips for a Strong Rewrite Prompt

  • Be directive, not descriptive. Tell the AI what to change, not just what the role does. "Add supervisory language" is more useful than "this person manages a team."

  • Call out what to keep. If parts of the current spec are working well, say so — for example, "The minimum qualifications section is accurate; focus changes on the duties and distinguishing characteristics sections."

  • Reference the level. If the rewrite is tied to a reclassification, name the target level explicitly.

  • One revision goal at a time is fine. You don't need to overhaul everything at once. A focused rewrite of one section often produces better results than a sweeping overhaul.


After You Rewrite

Holly will generate a revised draft based on your existing spec plus the instructions you provided. From there you can:

  • Compare the rewrite against the original to review what changed

  • Edit any section directly in the spec editor

  • Run another rewrite with updated instructions if the first pass missed the mark

Plan to review the output carefully — particularly duties language, qualifications, and any section you didn't explicitly instruct the AI to change.

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