A benchmark job is a position which represents the general duties and responsibilities that all individuals at a certain level are required to possess - education general aptitude , certain soft / hard skills and problem solving abilities . For e.g. in the HR department at level 2, the position of HR generalist is an example of a benchmark job which set minimum requirements to progress / promote to the upper ranks / positions . An employee at level 2 and above must have at least similar skills and abilities as an HR generalist to work at this level or above