Developing Preset Selection Criteria

The selection criteria must be carefully defined, directly related to the requirements of the position, and clearly understood and accepted by members of the search committee. The ability of the candidate to add intellectual diversity and cultural richness to the department should be included among the selection criteria.

Reference checks should be an integral part of every search. The search committee determines the process by which references will be checked and letters of recommendation requested.

The support staff for the search committee keeps documentation of:

• major criteria used to select applicants beyond initial screening;
• major criteria used to select finalists for interviews;
• major criteria used to select the successful applicant;
• specific reasons for rejection of candidates interviewed but not selected.