Job Description Template
The job description is your introduction to prospective candidates and is an opportunity to let them know about your department and the position. The following template is a guide to ensure that you write position descriptions in an equitable way to ensure a robust and diverse candidate pool.
Department Description
Intended to orient student applicants to the unit / department of the position they are applying for. This helps them understand the larger scope of work they will be doing. You can include things like your mission, usage information, and/or description of services.
Position Purpose
Intended to give applicants an understanding of why the position exists and how it fits within the work of your department / unit.
Position Responsibilities
Outlines the list of tasks, duties, and functions that this position carries out. Be sure to be specific in your descriptions of these duties to give a clear picture of the role to applicants
Qualifications / Requirements / Needed Skills
List the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for success in the role. Be sure to list only what is required for candidates to have prior to the role rather than things that can be learned on the job. Avoid using GPA cut-offs or class standing as these may unnecessarily limit your candidate pool and do not necessarily indicate aptitude for the role
Learning Outcomes or Benefits
Inform applicants of potential learning outcomes and transferable skills they may gain in this position. Students want their work experiences to be meaningful. By clarifying how they will develop professionally up front you demonstrate your investment in them as student employees.
Supervision
Identify the position’s manager or supervisor including their name and title.
Job Hours & Pay Rate
Outline expectations on scheduling availability, minimum hour requirements, and pay rate. You can also include the hours of operation for your office and note if remote work is possible. For more information on student employee compensation, see UW HR’s website here.
Application Instructions
Tells candidates what materials you require for a complete application and how to submit them.
Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodations Statements
Include in all job descriptions to help students understand the University of Washington’s commitment to diversity and inclusion for all applicants:
- The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
- The University of Washington prohibits sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns, make complaints, or direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at: uw.edu/titleix/title-ix-notice/.
- The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206.543.6450/V, 206.543.6452/TTY, 206.685.7264 (FAX), or dso@uw.edu.
Sample Position Description
View a sample position description from the Career & Internship Center.
