Job posting

• Use precise wording to attract suitable candidates.
• Avoid generic titles such as ¡°PhD student¡± or ¡°administrative assistant¡±.
• Ensure the title is internationally understandable, and avoid internal terms or abbreviations.
• A maximum of 80 characters including spaces
• Use relevant keywords commonly searched for in job listings.
  

• Briefly introduce the department or organisational unit.
• Outline the main responsibilities.
• Include a link to the website to keep the text concise and highlight the connection to ETH Zurich¡¯s overall mission.
• Adapt the style to your team culture ¨C approachable, friendly and welcoming.

If the position is linked to a project, provide a brief introduction. If there is no specific project reference, this section can be omitted.

• Describe the responsibilities: use bullet points with active verbs and direct address ¨C this makes the role more tangible.
• Clarify expectations: be transparent about tasks and requirements and, avoid exaggeration.
• Structure the text: aim for roughly one third of the content in bullet points (mainly for responsibilities and requirements), avoid repetition, and keep the text to a maximum of 800 words.
  • Use lively, active language.
  • Include one or two questions.
  • Use exclamation marks sparingly to convey energy and enthusiasm.
    

• Structure clearly: list only one requirement per bullet point and place it in context. Example: ¡°A head for numbers enables you to handle large data sets efficiently and accurately.¡±
• Mention only what¡¯s essential: avoid optional requirements. Instead of saying ¡°Ideally, you have ¡­¡±, list only the qualifications that are truly necessary. This makes the position more appealing to a broader range of applicants.
• Focus on experience: mention formal qualifications only if absolutely required. Emphasise skills and experience instead. Example: ¡°You bring sound expertise in ¡­¡± rather than ¡°You have a degree in ¡­¡±
• Language skills in context: explain in which situations language skills are relevant. Example: ¡°Your English skills allow you to communicate effectively in both speech and writing in our international environment.¡±
  
• Be specific about competencies: make social, self-management and leadership competencies tangible. Examples: ¡°You independently coordinate ¡­¡±, ¡°You actively drive projects forward¡± or ¡°You lead your team with clarity and trust.¡±

In this section, highlight what makes your department and team unique ¨C it¡¯s your opportunity to present the strengths of the role convincingly and to stand out from similar offers.

Keep in mind:

• Avoid clich¨¦s: refrain from using vague terms like ¡°family-friendly¡±.
• Core message of ETH Zurich: ¡°a meaningful career ¨C become part of ETH Zurich, where your development is supported, and you actively contribute to positive change in society.¡±
• Work environment: describe the culture, collaboration and atmosphere.
• Distinctive features: emphasise what sets the role at ETH apart from similar positions elsewhere.
• Development opportunities: mention training, workshops or career development options.
• Flexibility: include details about annual working hours, remote work, part-time models or job sharing.
• Location benefits: highlight transport connections, infrastructure or attractive surroundings.
• Projects: point to exciting or innovative topics.
• Benefits: present perks such as public transport subscriptions, car sharing, the external page ASVZ sports programme with over 120 disciplines, childcare, or pension benefits with external page PUBLICA.

• Be transparent: give applicants a clear overview of the selection process.
  
  
• Include:
  • An outline of the interview rounds
  • Required documents
  • Possible reference contacts
  • A contact person for questions
  • Links to relevant websites or social media
  • Application period and general timeline

The following sections are fixed and appear in every job posting:

• ¡°Diversity and sustainability matter to us¡±: highlights our values such as diversity, equal opportunities, a respectful environment and sustainability.
• ¡°About ETH Zurich¡±: presents ETH Zurich as a leading international university for education and research.

• Use inclusive language: English is largely gender-neutral, but it is still important to avoid biased or stereotyped phrasing. Choose neutral job titles (e.g. ¡°chair¡± instead of ¡°chairman¡±) and ensure that all language is inclusive and respectful.
• List relevant requirements: include only essential qualifications. Applicants interpret requirements differently, so it is best to clearly indicate or omit optional ones. A note like ¡°We also welcome applications from those who don¡¯t meet every listed requirement¡± can encourage more candidates to apply.
• Avoid discriminatory language: refrain from using phrases like ¡°native German speaker¡± or ¡°young and dynamic¡±, which can be indirectly exclusive.
• Make diversity visible: where possible, highlight flexible working models or inclusion measures.

• Language and tone: use clear, professional and objective language. Avoid jargon or unnecessary complexity.
• Inclusive and conversational: use a warm, approachable tone to create a sense of connection and belonging. Speak as ¡°we¡± and address candidates directly to make the language feel personal and engaging.
• Lively language: favour active over passive constructions, use cooperative rather than competitive phrasing, and be sparing with superlatives.
  

• Highlight key content: make aspects such as collaboration, team culture and development opportunities visible.
• Authenticity: be clear and realistic ¨C only promise what can genuinely be delivered.
  

• Create a target group-specific job advertisement for the position [Job title (m/f/d)].
• Target group: [e.g. recent graduates, experienced professionals, management-level candidates, etc.]
• Style: informal, direct and engaging, using the formal ¡°you¡± form; motivating, with a positive and dynamic tone.
• Structure: introduction ¨C Responsibilities ¨C Profile ¨C What we offer
• Content for the advert:

1. Introduction: write a brief and compelling opening with direct address. Highlight what makes the role attractive and create a positive entry point. Base your wording on our department webpage: [insert URL]
2. Responsibilities: present the tasks from the job description as bullet points. Use active language, emphasise personal responsibility and seniority. Incorporate the requirements as well as social and leadership competencies.
3. Profile: formulate the requirements from the job description as clear bullet points.
4. What we offer: describe the benefits of working at ETH Zurich and include the standard content:
   • A meaningful career: ETH Zurich supports your professional development and actively contributes to positive change in society.
   • Commitment to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
   • Numerous benefits such as public transport subscriptions, car sharing, a wide range of sports through external page ASVZ, childcare and attractive external page pension plans.

Also include any specific benefits of the position in question. Please include all relevant links.