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The following instructions on to how to write a position announcement will help you create the type of advertisement that is generally published in print media such as the Chronicle of Higher Education or for posting on the University's website. It incorporates the essential information required for a job announcement.

To stretch your advertising budget, you might consider an abbreviated print advertisement with a reference to a posting on the University's Website where the full details of the job can be shown. This short ad would generally include an introductory statement such as:

"The Modern Languages Department at Boise State University has an open tenure track position for an Assistant Professor of German. For full details regarding the nature of the position, degree and experience requirements and application procedures, please visit our job postings website at: (include link to the appropriate faculty or professional human resource services employment opportunity website)"

The following information below is suitable for either a full print ad when cost is not a consideration, a University Web posting, or other media where cost is not tied to size of the ad. Since there is no cost for University Web postings, you could add more information about the University or your department, to the web posting.

1. The Name of the University

2. The Name of the Position/Rank

All advertisements for faculty must state a faculty position and rank. Do not say "tenure track professor" when you mean "Assistant Professor". Appointments cannot be made at a level other that the one advertised because such appointments deny an opportunity for consideration to all persons who were not interested at the advertised level. To change the level of an appointment from that originally stated, a department must begin its search anew and re-advertise the appointment at the new level. If you are open to the rank, include all possibilities: e.g., "Appointment is anticipated at the Assistant Professor rank, but candidates with additional experience may be considered for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor". In these cases, it is recommended but not necessary, to be specific regarding the qualifications required. For example, your ad might state, "Rank dependent on meeting institutional criteria" or if you choose to be even more specific, "Candidates seeking appointment at the Assistant Professor level must have met all requirements for a Ph.D. in Communications by ______ (date). Candidates seeking appointment at the Associate Professor Level must have at least 5 years of full-time teaching experience at the Assistant Level and a clear record of scholarship."

3. Department Name

The elements above may be combined in the leading text of the advertisement. Example,

"The Modern Languages Department at Boise State University has an open tenure track position for an Assistant Professor of German"

4. Job Responsibilities

Using the official job description as a guide, describe the position in one or two lines of text. The advertisement must clearly and specifically define the job responsibilities as they relate to the various aspects of the job such as teaching, administrative activities, etc. The text should highlight the position enough to stimulate the interest of the potential applicants, but should not be an in-depth description of the job.

5. Qualifications

Qualifications stated in advertising must match the qualifications stated in the job description (JDQ). These must be the same for print publications and web job postings.

For clarity, avoid mixing qualifications into the text of the job description. Qualification should be stated in separate sentences.

State Minimum qualifications you will accept. These must be stated in their entirety, for example:

"Required: Bachelors degree in a field appropriate to area of assignment AND two years of administrative/coordinative program experience; OR, six years of progressive responsible administrative/coordinative program experience"

HOWEVER, this ad could be shortened using some widely accepted abbreviations, for example:

"Required: Bachelor's in appropriate field AND 2 years admin/coordinative program exp; OR, 6 yrs progressively responsible admin/coordinative program exp."

Avoid mixing minimum and preferred qualifications in the same sentence. Applicants should easily recognize that minimums are mandatory and preferred are not.

6. For More Information

In most cases, information needs to be provided that directs readers to a site or location where additional information about the job and the University can be found, for example:

For more information, see www.boisestate.edu,

or

For full description of duties & qualifications and application procedures, see posting at http://hrs.boisestate.edu/joblistings/ (this statement should be used if your ad is an abbreviated one in which you only list the University, the position name and other minimal information.)

7. How to Apply

Application Materials

The advertisement should specify those items that are required in the application package (e.g., Are transcripts required? If so, specify that official copies are needed. If you want a letter of interest, specify what information you are seeking, for example, "Please submit letter of interest indicating your reasons for interest in this position and the particular skills you possess that you believe would make you a good fit." Do you want letters of recommendation (specify that you wish "professional" references) or do you prefer only contact information for individuals who may be called for a reference. Be specific about the number of references or contacts required. If publications are required, do you want copies of the publications or just a list of publications?

Where to Send Materials

The advertisement must include the name/address/phone number/email for the search chairperson who acts as the contact for the search and is responsible for receiving the file of each applicant. Email addresses should only be included if application materials can or will be accepted via e-mail.

Close or Review Date

All advertisements must be specific about the deadline for acceptance of applications and an indication of when review of applications will begin. Examples:

• Deadline for Applications is ________ (date). Applications received after that date will not be considered
• Materials must be received by midnight_______(date)
• Review of applications will begin _________ (date) and will continue until finalists are identified. Applications received after that point may be considered if the position is not filled from the finalist pool.

8. Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Text for Publications

At a minimum, the following statement must be used in all Advertising:

Boise State University is an EOE/AA Employer. Vets Preferences.

Other Publication Statements

Boise State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities, individuals with disabilities and covered veterans are encouraged to apply. Disabled veterans, war veterans and honorably discharged veterans will receive credit in accordance with Idaho State Law upon submission of documentation of meeting the criteria set forth by law.

Boise State University is strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and nominations of women, persons of color, and members of other underrepresented groups. EOE/AA Institution, Veterans preference.

Optional Information - Sell!

To the extent that it is feasible, appropriate and cost effective, craft the language to sell the position, the department and the University. Consider what features of the job, the department or the University would especially appeal the candidates you wish to attract. Reconstruct the job to make it more appealing to members of underutilized groups (females and minorities)... For example, do not list narrow specializations that artificially restrict the applicant pool. Make available flexible hours to attract individuals with childcare or eldercare responsibilities. Promote opportunities to engage in specific research or teaching involving multicultural topics and non-traditional research areas. Mention Boise's lifestyle or the University's preeminent role in the Boise community. Emphasize the University's strengths or recent accomplishments. Make the opportunity sound interesting, challenging and rewarding!

Last reviewed July 2007