Summary
This article explains the purpose and proper use of screening forms throughout the search process, emphasizing job‑related criteria, qualitative evaluation, bias awareness, and documentation requirements to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant hiring decisions.
Body
Overview
Screening forms are work sheets search committee members use when evaluating application materials and when interviewing finalists for a position. They are tools to facilitate the work of the committee to ensure that uniform standards are applied when reviewing application materials and interviewing finalists. They also facilitate discussions when the search committee assesses applicants and prepares its final evaluation of finalists. Usage of the screening forms in a quantitative manner is highly discouraged, i.e., simply adding up the numbers on the rating scales and selecting the applicant/s with the highest (or lowest) total number discounts the value of committee discussions.
Forms
Screening forms are to be utilized during the search process for all steps of the evaluative process. Each step must have some type of screening form. General types of screening forms include:
Using the Forms
- All criteria on each screening form are to be job-related and consistent with requirements on the Job Posting and in the position description.
- Most selection processes involve several screenings. Subsequent screenings become increasingly qualitative and increasingly difficult. It is important that search committee members guard against stereotypical prejudices that may unconsciously bias their evaluation of an applicant, especially applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups of people.
- All completed evaluation forms are to be turned in to Human Resources with all other search materials at the end of the search process. The forms are useful in answering questions about the fairness of the search should questions from unsuccessful applicants arise at a later date. They are also required by the EEOC.
- The results of the various screenings should be recorded on the Screening Summary Report form. This helps maintain all information in one location and is submitted at various stages throughout the search process to document the decision-making process throughout the search.
Have Questions?
Contact Human Resources at 507-389-2015 or hr@mnsu.edu.