If writing job descriptions isn’t in your job description, it can feel like an intimidating task. But it doesn’t have to be!
As part of the Recruiter’s Roadmap series, the SciTech Team has created a Job Description Format that you can use as a guide when posting new positions at your company.
There are lots of ways to approach writing a job description, so for our purpose, we’re going to focus on writing descriptions for internships, though this template can also be applied to entry level positions.
Download the free Job Description Format Tool
If you utilized the first free resource in our series, the Need Assessment Tool, then you’ve already determined what your intern project will be, now it’s time to build a job around it.
Tip: The goal of your job description should be twofold: 1) To attract an ideal candidate who can benefit your company. 2) To express how your company will benefit them.
Recruiting and interviewing is a two-way street and as much as you have a role to fill, your ideal hire may have multiple offers to consider. Elevate your position and attract the best candidate with a balanced description that addresses their wants while expressing your needs.
Let’s start with the basic info a student needs to know for this opportunity:
- Introduce your company. Who are you?
- What role are you looking to fill?
- What is the main objective of the internship?
- What growth opportunities or benefits are there?
- What is your company culture like & what are you looking for in a compatible teammate?
Start by addressing these questions, then use the answers to craft your introductory paragraphs.
When written strategically, this description will be concise yet intentional, giving prospective candidates all the info they need without coming across as overwhelming.
Let’s apply this format to a sample job description for a fictional company, Solar Keepers, who’s looking to hire a UX Design intern.
Job Title: UX Design Intern
Description: Solar Keepers is a solar panel consulting firm specializing in solar panel installation and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. We’re seeking a motivated UX Design Intern to join our team for the summer.
In addition to helping develop our web capabilities, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with leadership and gain in-depth exposure to the solar industry.
We’re a small team of technologists and outdoor enthusiasts. You’re a good fit for this role if you have a passion for green energy, are curious about solar and are excited to try new things.
The first paragraph is pretty straight forward, introducing your company and the position you’re hiring for. This is where a student says, ‘that’s the type of role/ industry I’m looking for,’ and keeps reading.
The second paragraph is where you highlight unique opportunities/ benefits a student can gain while part of your team. There are a lot of internships that -from the surface- will seem very similar, so this is your opportunity to grab someone’s attention and stand out.
This isn’t the section where you mention Dental or Healthcare (although those are great to include later if you provide them). This is where you highlight opportunities for growth, collaboration and contribution. An internship is a learning-based experience, where students gain hands-on, real-world experiences they can’t find in a classroom. Think about what those experiences might be at your company and emphasize them here.
The third paragraph is culture-centric. Share what your company culture is like to attract like-minded candidates and list the desired attributes that will most benefit your team.
If you work in a fast-paced environment that requires critical thinkers who are quick on their feet, mention that! Being honest about the demands of the role is crucial to finding people who not only work but thrive in that environment.
Tip: To really elevate your job, and strengthen your team in the long run, use this as an opportunity to express your openness and inclusion. “We’re looking for a culture add, not just a culture fit.” You want someone who gets along with you and your team, but also an individual who brings new ideas and innovation.
From here you can list the key responsibilities required for the role.
- Use bullet points for easy review
- and organize the tasks in order of importance.
If you’re uncertain about what all to include, it’s okay and even encouraged to look up sample job descriptions that are similar to role you’re hiring for. Just remember to customize the tasks to the specific needs of your company.
The final section is for listing skillsets and competencies.
When hiring for an internship or entry-level position, it’s important to keep in mind that though candidates likely won’t come to these opportunities with the occupational skillsets you might be used to, they will have foundational skillsets to bring to the table, acquired through their coursework, independent study and even previous internships that can still be effectively applied to job.
You’ll also find it helpful for you and your candidates to categorize competencies as either required or preferred.
Required: Needed on day one. Not a trainable skillset or not going to be trained.
Preferred: Helpful, but not needed on day one. Trainable or allowed to learn over time, though it could become mandatory at some point.
By clearly communicating what you need and what you’re able to provide, you can increase your confidence in the candidates applying for your role.
Stay tuned for the next resource in our Recruiter’s Roadmap series where we’ll share how to use your job description to guide the interview process.
Until then, follow SciTech on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay in the loop. Real-world examples of companies currently finding success with their interns can be found on the SciTech blog, and if you’re interested in signing up for SciTech and accessing Minnesota’s number one recruiting and funding tool, you can enroll here for free!