Setting Position Details and Compensation
Quick Answer
Set your position details by selecting the position type (full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, volunteer, or internship), workplace type (in-person, hybrid, or remote), and entering compensation information. Include a specific salary range like "$60,000-$75,000 annually" or hourly rates like "$25-30/hour" to attract qualified candidates and save time. These required fields help candidates quickly determine if the position matches their needs.
Overview
Clear position details and transparent compensation are critical for attracting the right candidates. Studies show job postings with salary information receive 30% more applications from qualified candidates. This guide covers how to specify position types, set competitive compensation, communicate workplace flexibility, and comply with salary transparency laws.
Position Type Selection (Required)
Understanding Position Types
Select the employment type that best describes your opening:
Position Type | Definition | Best For |
Full-Time | 35-40+ hours per week | Career positions with benefits |
Part-Time | Less than 35 hours weekly | Flexible schedules, supplemental roles |
Contract | Fixed-term engagement | Project-based work, specialized skills |
Temporary | Short-term coverage | Seasonal, maternity leave, special projects |
Volunteer | Unpaid service position | Nonprofits, community organizations |
Internship | Learning-focused role | Students, career changers |
Full-Time Positions
Characteristics:
Typically 40 hours per week
Eligible for full benefits
Career-track opportunities
Ongoing employment
How to Describe:
Position Type: Full-Time Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM Benefits: Full benefits package included
Part-Time Positions
Common Configurations:
20 hours per week (half-time)
30 hours per week (three-quarter time)
Specific days only
Flexible scheduling
Examples:
Position Type: Part-Time (20 hours/week) Schedule: Flexible - choose any 4 half-days Benefits: Prorated PTO, 401(k) eligible Position Type: Part-Time Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (8 AM - 5 PM) Benefits: Health insurance available at 24+ hours
Contract Positions
Important Details to Specify:
Contract duration
Possibility of extension
Conversion potential
1099 vs W-2 status
Example Descriptions:
Position Type: Contract Duration: 6-month initial contract Extension: Possible based on performance Status: W-2 contractor with benefits Position Type: Contract (1099) Duration: Project-based (estimated 3 months) Rate: $75-$100/hour based on experience
Temporary Positions
Common Scenarios:
Seasonal work
Leave coverage
Special projects
Peak period support
Clear Communication:
Position Type: Temporary Duration: June 1 - August 31 (summer coverage) Potential: May lead to permanent position Position Type: Temporary Coverage: 4-month maternity leave coverage Start Date: March 1, 2025
Volunteer Positions
Essential Information:
Time commitment expected
Any expense reimbursement
Training provided
Benefits (if any)
Volunteer Examples:
Position Type: Volunteer Commitment: 10 hours/month minimum Benefits: Free training, networking, reference letter Position Type: Volunteer Board Position Commitment: Monthly meetings + committee work (5-8 hours/month) Term: 2-year commitment
Internship Positions
Specify:
Paid vs. unpaid
Academic credit available
Duration and schedule
Learning objectives
Internship Examples:
Position Type: Paid Internship Compensation: $20/hour Duration: 12 weeks (summer program) Eligibility: Current students or recent graduates Position Type: Internship (Academic Credit) Unpaid - Academic credit available Duration: Fall semester (15 weeks) Schedule: 15-20 hours/week
Workplace Type Selection (Required)
The Three Workplace Options
Workplace Type | Definition | Trends |
In-Person | Full-time office/site based | Traditional model |
Hybrid | Mix of office and remote | Most popular post-2020 |
Remote | Work from anywhere | Growing rapidly |
In-Person Positions
When to Select In-Person:
Role requires physical presence
Equipment/tools on-site
Customer-facing positions
Team collaboration essential
How to Describe:
Workplace Type: In-Person Location: Downtown Los Angeles office Parking: Subsidized parking available Transit: 2 blocks from Metro station
Hybrid Positions
Common Hybrid Models:
Set Schedule:
Workplace Type: Hybrid Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office Remote: Monday and Friday Location: Beverly Hills office
Flexible Hybrid:
Workplace Type: Hybrid Requirement: Minimum 2 days/week in office Flexibility: Choose your office days Core Days: All-hands meetings on Wednesdays
Team-Based:
Workplace Type: Hybrid Team Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays (required) Other Days: Your choice of location Quarterly: One full week in-office per quarter
Remote Positions
Types of Remote Work:
Fully Remote:
Workplace Type: Remote Location: Work from anywhere in the US Time Zone: Must work PST hours Equipment: Company provides laptop and stipend
Remote with Travel:
Workplace Type: Remote Travel: 20% travel to client sites Home Base: Must live within 2 hours of major airport Quarterly: Team meetings in headquarters
Location-Specific Remote:
Workplace Type: Remote Requirement: Must reside in California (tax reasons) Occasional: Annual company retreat (required)
Compensation Details (Required)
How to Enter Compensation
Format Examples:
Annual Salary:
Compensation: $65,000 - $80,000 annually Based on experience and qualifications
Hourly Rate:
Compensation: $25 - $30 per hour Plus overtime for 40+ hours
Contract Rate:
Compensation: $500 - $750 per day Based on project complexity
Commission-Based:
Base Salary: $40,000 + commission OTE (On-Target Earnings): $80,000 - $100,000
Salary Range Best Practices
Setting Competitive Ranges:
Research-Based Approach:
Check industry salary surveys
Review competitor postings
Consider geographic differences
Account for experience levels
Include total compensation value
Range Guidelines:
Keep range reasonable (15-25% spread)
Avoid too wide ($50,000-$150,000)
Be realistic about budget
Consider internal equity
Good Examples:
Entry Level: $45,000 - $55,000 Mid-Level: $70,000 - $85,000 Senior: $95,000 - $115,000 Executive: $140,000 - $170,000
Total Compensation Package
Beyond Base Salary:
Total Compensation Package: Base Salary: $75,000 - $90,000 Annual Bonus: Target 15% of base Equity: Stock options available Benefits Value: ~$15,000 annually Total Package: $95,000 - $120,000
Hourly Positions
Important Details:
Hourly Rate: $22 - $26/hour Overtime: 1.5x for over 40 hours Estimated Weekly Hours: 35-40 Annual Earnings: $40,000 - $54,000 Benefits: Full benefits at 30+ hours
Commission and Variable Pay
Sales Positions:
Base Salary: $50,000 Commission: Uncapped, average rep earns $30,000 OTE: $80,000 (achievable in year 1) Top Performers: $120,000+
Performance Bonus:
Base Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 Annual Bonus: 10-20% based on performance Signing Bonus: $5,000 Retention Bonus: $10,000 after year 2
Equity Compensation
Startup Equity:
Salary: $90,000 - $110,000 Equity: 0.1% - 0.25% stock options Vesting: 4 years with 1-year cliff Current Valuation: Series A at $50M
Public Company:
Base: $100,000 - $120,000 RSUs: $20,000 - $30,000 annually Vesting: Quarterly over 4 years Employee Stock Purchase Plan available
Salary Transparency Compliance
State Requirements
States with Salary Transparency Laws:
State | Requirement | Effective Date |
California | Must post salary range | January 2023 |
New York | Salary range required | November 2022 |
Colorado | Compensation in all postings | January 2021 |
Washington | Range for positions | January 2023 |
Compliance Example:
Compensation: $70,000 - $85,000 annually (California) This range represents base salary only. Total compensation includes benefits, bonus potential, and professional development.
Benefits Disclosure
What to Include:
Benefits Package Includes: • Medical, dental, vision insurance • 401(k) with 5% company match • 15 days PTO + 10 holidays • Paid parental leave (12 weeks) • Professional development budget • Flexible spending accounts
Special Compensation Situations
Nonprofit Compensation
Transparent Approach:
Salary: $55,000 - $65,000 Note: Nonprofit salary aligned with mission Benefits: Excellent work-life balance PSLF: Eligible for loan forgiveness Additional: 20 days PTO, flexible schedule
Academic Positions
Faculty/Staff Roles:
Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 (9-month) Summer Support: Additional funding available Benefits: State pension system, tuition remission
Government Positions
Public Sector:
Grade Level: GS-12 Salary Range: $72,030 - $93,638 Location: Los Angeles (26.16% locality pay) Benefits: Federal employee benefits package
Union Positions
Collective Bargaining:
Union Position: Per CBA Agreement Current Scale: $28.50 - $35.75/hour Annual Increases: Per contract Benefits: Union-negotiated package
Setting Competitive Compensation
Market Research
Research Sources:
Glassdoor Salary Tool
Salary.com
PayScale
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Industry associations
Local salary surveys
Factors to Consider
Compensation Variables:
Factor | Impact on Salary |
Experience level | 15-30% variance |
Education | 5-15% premium |
Certifications | 5-10% premium |
Location | Up to 40% difference |
Industry | 20-30% variance |
Company size | 10-20% difference |
Specialized skills | 10-25% premium |
Budget Constraints
Working with Limited Budgets:
Competitive Package Despite Lower Salary: Base: $60,000 (below market) But we offer: • Fully remote (save commute costs) • Flexible schedule (work-life balance) • Extra PTO (20 days vs. standard 10) • Professional development ($3,000/year) • Clear promotion path
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake | Problem | Solution |
No salary listed | Fewer qualified applicants | Include range |
"Competitive salary" | Too vague | Specify actual numbers |
Unrealistic ranges | Wastes everyone's time | Research market rates |
Hidden requirements | Surprises later | Full transparency |
Ignoring benefits value | Undervaluing package | Highlight total compensation |
Best Practices
Do's
✅ Research market rates thoroughly
✅ Include clear salary ranges
✅ Specify base vs. total compensation
✅ Mention bonus/commission structure
✅ List unique benefits
✅ Update for salary changes
✅ Consider cost of living
✅ Be transparent about growth
Don'ts
❌ Don't use "DOE" without range
❌ Don't hide critical details
❌ Don't inflate potential earnings
❌ Don't ignore state laws
❌ Don't forget benefits value
❌ Don't set ranges too wide
FAQs
What if salary is truly negotiable? Still provide a range based on budget and experience levels. Example: "Entry: $50-60K, Senior: $70-85K"
Should we mention salary reviews? Yes, include frequency and criteria: "Annual reviews with merit increases averaging 3-5%"
How do we handle geographic pay differences? List ranges by location: "SF Bay Area: $100-120K, Remote: $85-100K"
What about positions with wide experience ranges? Break into levels: "Junior (0-2 years): $50-60K, Senior (5+ years): $75-90K"
Should we include contractor benefits? Yes, specify what's included: "Rate includes no benefits" or "Benefits available through agency"
How specific should hourly ranges be? Include any shift differentials: "Base: $20-25/hour, Night shift: +$3/hour"
Next Steps
Research competitive salary ranges
Calculate total compensation value
Check state law requirements
Determine position and workplace type
Write clear compensation description
Include growth opportunities
Review with HR/Legal if needed