Tips for Reaching Today’s College Student
- Logistics: clearly set expectations for start and ends dates, if there's flexibility, compensation, and whether the position is remote/hybrid/on-site.
- Inclusivity: Students want to work at an inclusive organization. Follow these tips for writing an inclusive job posting. Make special note of inclusive benefits (parental leave policies, partner benefits, affinity groups, etc.)
- More of this less of that: Students Google everything. Spend less time on organization information they can easily look up and include more details and specifics about the position.
- Language: Avoid jargon and spell out acronyms.
- Job roles: Add relevant job roles to your positions in Handshake. This is how students most often search for positions and will increase the number of students who see your posting.
- Accessibility: Create accessible job postings by including headings and bullet points to separate information, making the post easier to read
- Position title: Use an official position title rather than a buzzword-filled advertisement and/or pay rate. Students are often skeptical of such titles.
- See Handshake's resources for 4 Strategies for employer success on Handshake and 5 Tips to improve your job description to attract early talent
Requirements for Approval in Handshake
Responsibilities
- A robust job description includes at least 3 specific tasks or job responsibilities (an organization description is not a job description)
- Don’t assume applicants know what the position entails, especially when your target audience is students
- Clear responsibilities give potential candidates an accurate understanding of the position, leading to more enthusiastic applicants and less employee turnover
Qualifications
- A robust job description includes a minimum of 2 clear qualifications so applicants can assess if they are qualified (i.e., applying for the position is worth their time and the employer’s time)
- Examples of these qualifications include prior work experience, education, technical skills or transferable skills (e.g., communication, teamwork, time management, etc.)
Example Postings
Ineffective and Not Approved
"The Vague Description"
Java Developer
Recognizable inc. is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Java full stack Developer. Must have:
- strong knowledge in Java
- Must be able to relocate
- Master’s degree in CS/it/ee/mis/ece/eee
Pros: Simple and accurate title, specifically states desired educational background, uses bullet points
Cons: Difficult-to-read font, no responsibilities, vague qualifications, uses major acronyms (CS, IT, etc) which make it difficult to search for the posting
“The Company Advertisement rather than an Actual Position Description”
Consultant
Are you looking for a fulfilling job? Are you creatve, do you think outside the box? Do you want a job that will take you to the top? Do you want to have fun at work?
Come join our Company! We’re taking consulting to the next level. Founded by experienced consultants with more than 50 years of combined experience. We work with clients to meet there needs and company goals. By providing companies with organization strategies and productivity analyses. We look to optimize the some of the parts, not just the individual pieces. Benefits include breakfast and coffeee every day, gym memberships, and disconts on all our company swag. Come work for Company TBD and change the world one client at a time!
Pros: Intriguing language, easy-to-read professional font
Cons: Confusing and non-descriptive title, describes the company and not the position, no qualifications or responsibilities, spelling and grammar mistakes
Less Effective But Approved
“Valiant Effort”
Manufacturing Internship
Company: Company XYZ is a large manufacturing company located in Minneapolis, MN. Our facility contains a variety of machines from 3D printers to CNC machines. Our engineers are hard-working, goal-oriented, and creative. We strive to provide our clients with quality products in a timely manner.
Responsibilities: Interns will work 8 hour days under an experienced engineer on a project and present their work to company leaders at the end of the summer. The intern will be responsible for setting up and maintaining a variety of machines. Responsibilities also include monitoring production processes, quality inspection, performing analyses, and writing safety reports. Interns will be given moderately difficult tasks with little instruction, however, they will work alongside process technicians and engineers who can provide support as necessary. Must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Pros: Uses subheadings, includes several job tasks/responsibilities, accurate title
Cons: Vague responsibilities, only one generic applicant qualification, uses paragraph format
Suggested Improvements: Include examples of projects to generate more interest amongst candidates if the job description is intentionally vague, list several qualifications to help candidates assess if they are qualified for the position, use a bullet point format when listing tasks and qualifications to help make the job posting easier to scan and read
“Valiant Effort”
Agricultural Teacher
XYZ School, located in Minnesota in District XYZ, is seeking an Agricultural Educator for this school year to support an expanding program. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to introduce the importance of Agriculture to a diverse student body. Must have knowledge or experience with classroom instruction and with assisting students in FFA activities.
The specific course schedule will be determined based on the strengths of the successful candidate and student interests during the registration process. However, courses likely to be taught include Horticulture, Greenhouse Production/Floral Design, Basic Ag Mech, and Environmental Science.
Applicants must have a valid Minnesota teaching license with preference given to candidates who also have a science certification.
Pros: Includes certification requirements, accurate title, some qualifications and responsibilities mentions
Cons: Responsibilities and qualifications are too vague, uses paragraph format without separating paragraphs, no detail about the organization or program. The applicant does not come away with a clear idea of what they would be doing at this job.
Suggested Improvements: Break the description up by adding bullet points, subheadings, and separate responsibilities from qualifications. Elaborate on responsibilities. We suggest trying to paint a picture of what a day in the life would be. Add details about the organization and program. Let the candidate know how to apply.
Very Effective and Approved
“The Champion”
Mechanical Engineer Intern
Company ABC produces XYZ products for a global market. Over the last 20 years, our company has grown into a world leader in our field. Our engineers take pride in their work and are passionate about mentoring students. We provide interns with real-world projects and strive to teach them worthwhile skills.
Responsibilities
- Work with a team to design and review components for the next generation of our Y products
- Modify existing part designs using SolidWorks software
- Analyze & improve manufacturing processes using Lean/Six Sigma, including time-and-motion studies
- Build, assemble, and install components during prototype testing
- In the past, interns have worked with injection molded plastic, sheet metal, machining, rubber molding, power transmission, motors, and/or sensors
Minimum Qualifications
- Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with a 3.0 GPA
- Experience with CREO or SolidWorks
- Machine shop and hand tool experience
- Organization skills and ability to work individually as well as in teams
- Must be legally authorized to work in the US for any employer
If you’re looking to gain new skills and learn from experienced engineers in a supportive environment, Company ABC may be the place for you! Interested applicants should apply through Handshake.
Pros: Accurate title, brief company summary, robust responsibilities and qualifications including example projects, uses bolded subheadings, calls out how to apply.
"Well Researched"
Librarian
We are seeking a Librarian at our XYZ location to engage with the diverse communities of our County to advance equity and to help reduce disparities in education, employment, income, and justice. Librarians lead and support staff in delivering a variety of programs and services with a strong emphasis on facilitating community engagement. This job is a match for you if you enjoy relationship building, community outreach, and are passionate about shaping the future of how we deliver service in our communities.
Responsibilities:
- Provide excellent library service to community members of all ages and abilities and from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Reach out to community organizations; develop and maintain relationships and collaborate to create services and programs that fit local needs and interests.
- Create a positive work environment through flexibility, accountability, and leadership.
Requirements
- ALA (American Library Association) accredited Master's degree in Library Science or Information Science.
Desired Experience:
- Ability to be patron-focused and flexible, adjusting the services delivered as community needs, resources, and technology evolve.
- Experience building community connections with a wide variety of organizations to collaborate, develop, and deliver programs or services.
- Experience providing customer service, instruction, or outreach to customers of all ages and backgrounds.
- Bilingual a plus
- Apply on company website at xyz.com
Pros: Accurate title, brief organization description, robust responsibilities and qualifications, uses underlined subheadings, easily scannable, calls out how to apply with link.
"The Welcomed Communicator"
Community Liaison - Spanish Bilingual
We are a non-profit working to proactively identify the needs of individuals and families within our community. This position will conduct outreach activities with the residents of Minnesota.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct outreach activities for the residents of Minnesota; specifically, refugees and immigrants.
- Identify additional research and training needs for staff on community issues.
- Collaborate with staff members to evaluate current community needs.
- Develop surveys and collect and interpret cultural and organizational data.
- Create, lead and facilitate community events that address the needs of, and include community stakeholders.
- Write strategic and work group plans, reports on community events, and grants.
- Lead a multicultural advisory committee to create annual work plans.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience in community outreach and planning events.
- Background with volunteer coordination and management.
- Ability to successfully build consensus among diverse community partners.
- Spanish bilingual.
- Bachelor’s degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Managing projects without having direct reporting authority over the work or people involved in the project.
- Experience working at a non-profit.
How to apply: Send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to [email protected].
Pros: Accurate title, brief organization summary, uses bolded and underlined subheadings, detailed responsibilities, seperate section for preferred qualifications, calls out how to apply.