Search and Selection Guide
Initiating the Search
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Steps to take when
Initiating a Faculty/Professional Search
Draft a Job Announcement
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Job Description
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Your Recruitment Strategy
Tips for Writing a Job
Announcement
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Be concise. The job
announcement should clearly and succinctly state the required and
preferred qualifications (i.e. degree, license or certification,
communication skills, etc.). Make sure that the duties and requirements
stated match those listed in the job description. (Note: Job
descriptions are required for professional positions, but not faculty.)
Remember that the criteria specified in the job announcement (which must
be job-related) are the ones you will use to judge and rate the
candidates.
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Save money. It is also
possible to use an abbreviated ad that includes the title, and contact
information, and refers applicants to a web site and address for more
information. OEO must approve abbreviated ads as well as more complete
job announcements.
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Be organized. Group
related information together and convey it in a logical fashion. For
example, begin by describing the position, (i.e., title, tenure-track,
ongoing, fixed length, work year, full or part time, renewal contingent
upon funding); list responsibilities and duties, and then move on to
required and preferred qualifications. Follow with information on the
application process: what needs to be sent, to whom. End with The
University of Maine’s non-discrimination statement (see below).
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Include at least the
following statement in every announcement: “The University of Maine is
an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.” You may abbreviate by
replacing Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action with “EO/AA.”
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Avoid “magic numbers.”
Instead of requiring “3 years experience,” ask for “several years” or
“substantial experience.” The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
requires that minimum qualifications be job-related. It is usually
difficult or impossible to justify a specific number of years, unless it
is related to certification requirements in the discipline.
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Use “review of
applications will begin on...” rather than “application deadline.” Any
applications received after a published deadline, no matter how
impressive, cannot be considered. Review should begin no less than three
weeks after the date that the announcement is last published or posted.
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Include all pertinent
information. Ads for UMPSA positions (represented professionals) must
include the salary range on all campus postings (Maine Perspective,
First Class, etc.). You must also specify any pre-employment
requirements such as a physical examination or State Bureau of
Investigations background check.
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Use non-discriminatory
language. You cannot use language that may have a discriminatory impact.
For example, you may state, “Must be eligible to accept employment in
the United States,” but not, “Must be a U.S. citizen.” Likewise, when
travel is an essential function of a job, you may state “Ability to
travel, normally requiring a valid driver's license,” but not “Must have
a valid driver's license,” which may discriminate against individuals
with certain disabilities.
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Use the correct University
mailing address. Example: 5754 North Stevens Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5754.
The correct four-digit building zip code is listed in the campus
directory.
OEO/3-01
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