What term describes a competency or special qualification essential for satisfactory job performance?

The term that accurately describes a competency or special qualification essential for satisfactory job performance is "Selective Factor." Selective factors are specific criteria that directly influence the selection process for a particular position, ensuring that candidates possess the necessary skills and qualifications that are crucial for successful job performance. These factors help employers determine whether an applicant meets the requirements to effectively carry out the duties associated with the job.

In the context of hiring and selection, selective factors play a vital role in the assessment of candidates. They focus on attributes like specific skills, education, or certifications that are not only desirable but necessary to fulfill the job's responsibilities.

Other choices—such as minimum qualification, major duty, and quality ranking factor—do not accurately capture the same meaning. Minimum qualifications refer to the basic criteria that candidates must meet to be considered eligible for a job, while major duties refer to the primary responsibilities of a position. Quality ranking factors, on the other hand, are aspects used to evaluate candidates against one another but do not specifically denote the essential competencies required for satisfactory performance.