Writing Staff Postings

A well-written job posting accurately communicates important aspects of a job and serves as an effective tool in the recruitment of an appropriate pool of applicants. A descriptive job posting provides job seekers the information needed to identify whether they are qualified to perform the job duties and provides information to enable them to write a tailored cover letter and resume. 

Job postings are generated from information you enter when creating an action in PeopleAdmin. Located on the Position Details tab, the following two key fields are part of the position description and create the content of the posting:  

Job Summary/Basic Function: This paragraph should describe the primary duties and the purpose of the position. Include information about the unit or department and the URL of the departmental website if appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications: Outline the education, experience and skills that are required for the position. Make sure to distinguish between the required skills (or standard minimum qualifications, including education level, number of years of related work experience) and any skills that are needed for the position, which may include communication skills, organizational skills, etc and "desirable" skills. When listing “desirable” qualifications, be careful to consider the potential impact on the applicant pool, as qualified individuals may choose not to apply based upon their perception of listed qualifications.

To preview how the posting will appear to applicants, in PeopleAdmin, find the position in your list of Pending Actions and click on the "Get Reports List" link. Select "Applicant Posting -Action-Staff"  and click Generate Report.
 

Posting Example 1

Position Title: Office/Program Support Generalist

Job Summary/Basic Function: Provide administrative and office support for McSyting Scholarship Project including fiscal accounting, records, communications, and correspondence. Assist in the scheduling of program and events; supervising student employees, and coordinating staff, scholar, and faculty meetings. Create and maintain database records and assist with information gathering and generating reports. Answer incoming calls and provide information and assistance to students, parents and university personnel. Report directly to the project Coordinator and assist the project Director as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications: Associate's degree and two to three years' related experience required. Working knowledge of software applications used to support office functions and familiarity with Internet resources required. Effective verbal and written communication skills required. Effective interpersonal skills,organizational skills and ability to multitask required. Accounting coursework or experience desirable.


Posting Example 2

Position Title: Laboratory/Research Technician

Job Summary/Basic Function: Coordinate general research initiatives and activities for a neuroscience functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging research program in Neurology (www.med.uvm.edu/neurology). Collect data, conduct subject testing, maintain imaging data servers, schedule imaging sessions, maintain records, screen participants, analyze data, write reports and related documentation. Serve as primary liaison within UVM, external agencies and program representatives/collaborators. Support the institution’s initiatives to create a diverse and multicultural campus environment.    

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a medical science and two to three years' clinical research experience required. Effective computer software and Internet application skills required. Experience with high-field research magnet highly desirable.



General Information