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Student Employment Job Description Guidelines

Writing a strong job description starts with a clear understanding of the role. Before drafting, take time to conduct a job analysis. This involves identifying the key duties and responsibilities, the physical or mental tasks required, the tools or equipment used, and the reason the job exists. Ask yourself: What need does this position fill? What skills or qualifications are needed for someone to succeed in the role? A thoughtful job analysis will help ensure your description is accurate, aligned, and effective.

The following items should be included in every position description:

  • Job title
  • Term/semester
  • Days/hours
  • Position overview
  • Duties and responsibilities
  • Qualifications
  • Position outcomes
  • Perks (if applicable)

Jump to: Sample job description

How to write a student employment job description

A clear and accurate job description helps students understand the position and determine if they’re a good fit. Use the guidelines below to create an effective posting that attracts qualified applicants and reflects the purpose of the role.

Job title

The job title should clearly reflect the nature of the role. Keep it short, direct, and self-explanatory. Students often decide whether to click based on the title alone. Avoid using vague or overly creative titles that may confuse job seekers.

Examples:

  • Theater Office Student Worker
  • Costume Studio Stitcher
  • Accounting Social Media & Marketing Assistant

Term/semester and days/hours

Clarify when the position is available, fall, spring, J-Term, or summer. If summer work is included, list specific dates if known. Note the typical days of the week the student will work and the average number of hours per week. Indicate if hours are flexible during finals or vary by term.

Examples:

  • Spring/Fall: M–F, 8–10 hours per week
  • Summer: 35 hours per week
  • Fall/Spring/J-Term: 5 hours per week

Position overview

Provide a short summary (2–3 sentences) that describes the purpose of the role and highlights a few key responsibilities. This helps students quickly assess whether the job aligns with their interests and qualifications.

Example:

The Career Development Graphic Design/Marketing Assistant is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and social media plans promoting events, resources, and services. This position is 40 hours a week during the summer.

Duties and responsibilities

List the essential tasks the student will be responsible for, using bullet points. Each task should begin with an action verb and briefly explain the purpose. Include all major duties that make up at least 5% of the workload. Together, these should represent 100% of the job’s responsibilities.

Examples:

  • Write and post updates using all social media platforms and respond to comments, messages, etc.
  • Assist kitchen staff in preparing hot and cold food items for dining center or catering events
  • Support international applicants and visitors by sharing event reminders and deadline information

Position assessment

Every job will be reviewed using a standardized rubric to determine appropriate wage levels. To support this process, please be as detailed as possible in describing the scope of responsibilities and required skills within the job description.

Qualifications

List the minimum and preferred qualifications for the position. These may include specific skills, certifications, or experience. Focus on the needs of the role, not the skills of the current or previous student in the position. Use bullet points to help students easily scan the requirements.

Examples:

  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with team members
  • Excellent communication skills with a focus on serving a diverse campus population
  • Ability to listen, ask clarifying questions, and follow through on weekly and long-term projects

Position outcomes

Help students connect their campus job with real-world skill development by including at least three relevant career readiness competencies or learning outcomes. These support career exploration and resume building.

Example:

Financial Aid Student Office Assistant:

  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking & Information Literacy
  • Professionalism

Perks

If the job comes with extra benefits or unique opportunities, list them! Perks help make the job more appealing and help students understand the added value of the role.

Examples:

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Remote work possible
  • Free t-shirts
  • Comped lunches on visit days
  • Networking with alumni
  • Summer full-time opportunities

Sample job description

AUGUSTANA COLLEGE | CORE Student Assistant

Fall/J-Term/Spring Semesters with possibility for working over the summer.  Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

Position Overview: The CORE Student Assistant welcomes and assists all students and visitors to CORE and assists team members with short- and long-term projects in addition to completing set daily tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Greet and assist all students and visitors to CORE
  • Attend admission visit days; represent department and the college in a positive, professional manner
  • Assist team members with short- and long-term projects
  • Complete set tasks associated with shift such as check-in set up, office and breakroom cleaning and tidying, checking voicemail and email accounts, distributing mail, and completing daily page
  • Learn and use office equipment as needed; keep copy machine paper and ink cartridges stocked and filled
  • Learn and use online programs such as Astra (room scheduling), Handshake (career database), Reporting Services, and Viking Score Database
  • Learn and be able to assist with smart classroom equipment in Classrooms and Olin Auditorium
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Strong written communication skills
  • Ability to listen, understand, ask clarifying questions, and follow through on weekly and long-range projects
  • Demonstrated experience planning, organizing, and managing work assigned in a timely manner
  • Intercultural Competence; ability to write and edit content that is inclusive for all student populations or targeted content for affinity and identity groups
  • Must be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or above)  
  • Any major can apply!
  • Student must sign the Student Confidentiality Agreement

Position Outcomes: 

  • Career & Self-Development
  • Communication
  • Professionalism

Perks

  • Flexible scheduling
  • Remote work possible