Do's and Dont's of Writing Good Internship Job Descriptions

Writing good job descriptions is an essential part of your intern recruiting efforts.  Students are scanning through and performing keyword searchs on hundreds of online listings to find their perfect internship.  Using the guidelines and suggestions below will help to ensure that your postings are not passed over by qualified students.  A detailed job description will also work as a soft-screening tool, making students aware of your expectations up front.

JOB DESCRIPTION DON’TS  

• Don’t present the opportunity as mundane or boring. 
• Don’t neglect to offer a summary of your organization or company- students will pass you by if they don’t know what you are about. 
• Don’t embellish the job description. Although your postings must be valid experiential learning opportunities, if clerical work (answering phones, filing, cold-calling) is involved, let the student know how often such tasks will be required of them.  
• Don’t use company-specific language or jargon in the job description. A qualified student may feel intimidated or discouraged if they are not familiar with the terms. 
• Don’t neglect liberal arts majors who may possess just the skills and talents you are looking for (English majors are excellent writers, History majors can contribute outstanding research skills, Philosophy majors are wonderful critical thinkers, etc.)  

 JOB DESCRIPTION DO’S

• Do Use energetic language to describe the opportunity (example: “This is a great opportunity for anyone planning to begin a career in the music industry!”).
• Do describe your ideal candidate using plenty of adjectives. 
• Do focus on what kind of experience you can provide for the student. 
• Do consider multiple majors that may possess the skills you are looking for, especially in the liberal arts. 
• Begin with a captivating question to the reader (ex: “Are you eager to begin a career in the broadcasting industry but can’t get started because you don’t have experience?”).