Job posting components
Last updated: October 26, 2025
Overview
Job postings are different than position descriptions. While position descriptions outline detailed job duties for internal use, job postings are briefer and are used to inform applicants about an open position and attract them to apply for the job.
At the UW, the Workday job description follows a templated “job posting” structure (found below) that supports posting consistency and ensures all requirements are met, such as those associated with pay transparency requirements.
Departments enter the job description in the “Job Posting Text” field in Workday, during the Create Job Requisition and Create Confidential Job Requisition business processes. Once posted, the job description will appear on the UW Careers site (and any job sites like LinkedIn and Indeed) and/or the internal UW Jobs Hub.
How to complete the “Job Posting Text” field in Workday
All job descriptions automatically include the following, which you do NOT need to include in the Job Posting Text field:
- Pay range minimum and maximum
- Other compensation, if provided
- Benefits information
- Shift
- If the position is temporary or regular
- FTE
- Union/bargaining unit
- Introductory paragraph about the UW (for external candidates only)
- Equal opportunity employer statement
- Requirement to disclose sexual misconduct
Formatting tips:
- Do not use colored font.
- Do not underline words (this should be reserved for hyperlinks only).
- Anything bold in the job description template, below, should remain in bold (for ex: About this Opportunity, Key Responsibilities, etc.)
“Job Posting Text” template
Before you start – what to know:
- While several items below are optional, some of the items are required (marked with an *) and the job requisition may be sent back for corrections if not included.
- If you’re copying and pasting the template into the Job Posting Text field, don’t forget to delete the asterisks and/or any references to a section being optional.
Ready to begin? Start your job description here:
*<Department> has an outstanding opportunity for <Job Posting Title> to join their team.
If applicable, include an additional paragraph stating whether this is a limited recruitment. For example: “This opportunity is open to UW employees only.” or “This opportunity is only open to employees of <your department name>.”
About this Opportunity
*Reporting to <Manager’s Title>, the <Job Positing Title> is responsible for <insert 2-3 sentences providing high-level overview of the role’s purpose and impact>.
Units may also provide additional information relevant to the role, such as location, telework eligibility, work schedules, union affiliation, etc.
Key Responsibilities
- *Use bullets to provide a list of the role’s specific job responsibilities with estimated percent time breakout (total must be 100%); focus on essential tasks the employee will actually do. Do not include skills or traits (those should be included in Qualifications, below). For best results, keep this section between 5-12 bullets.
- If the position has supervisory responsibilities, include “This position manages X employees: <list the job titles>.”
- If this is an essential position, include, “This position performs essential services and may be required to work during any period of declared suspended operation.”
- Recruiting Office Partners will verify the key responsibilities align with the position responsibilities approved by Compensation.
- Your department is responsible for providing a copy of the complete job description for the position to all candidates who advance to phone screens and beyond.
Required Qualifications
*To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and any additional requirements listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum Qualifications
- *Use bullets to list Minimum Qualifications (MQs) – all MQs must mirror those in the approved Workday position.
- Contract classified MQs must contain the exact language of the MQs on the negotiated class specifications. The exception is the type of experience required for Program Support Supervisor and Program Coordinator positions: your MQs need to be customized to reflect the needs of your specific program. Your Recruiting Office Partner can help you with this, if needed.
- Classified non-union postings must contain the desirable qualifications on the State of Washington Classified Job Specifications.
- Professional Staff MQs must include quantifiable years of education and experience only.
- Represented Civil Service Exempt MQs must contain the exact language of the MQs on the negotiated class specifications and need to define what constitutes “relevant/related” degree fields, experiences and/or credentials.
- Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
Additional Qualifications (optional)
- Use bullets to list any additional qualifications – all additional qualifications must mirror those in the approved Workday position.
Preferred Qualifications (optional)
- Use bullets to list 3-5 any additional “nice-to-have” qualifications, experiences, skills or attributes that are preferred but not required.
Working Conditions (optional)
- Use bullets to list any physical, environmental and operational features affecting employees’ daily work lives – these should mirror what is in the approved Workday position.
Application Requirement (optional)
If applicants must complete a cover letter, writing sample, portfolio, etc., use this section to provide clear instructions.
About the Team (optional)
You may wish to share 1-2 brief paragraphs about the department/team the applicant will work with. Units may also provide a department website URL for the applicant to learn more.