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Selection Matrix

Search committees may wish to use a selection matrix for the objective comparison of applicant materials to the stated qualifications, functions, and requirements of their advertised position. Guidance on developing and use a selection matrix is available at HR: Selection Panel or Matrix > Selection Matrix.

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Interviewing

See HR: Interview for general guidance on preparing for and conducting interviews.

All activities associated with on-campus visits for finalists, including meals, should be considered part of the interview and must follow University and College interview guidance. Written interview notes and other recorded materials are subject to open records requests.

All questions asked to the candidate should be directly related to the advertised qualifications and functions of the position for which they are interviewing. During interviews and on-campus visits, questions should not be asked that would reveal any of the following about the candidate:

• Age (examples: What year did you graduate high school? Which generation are you (Gen X, Millennial, etc.)?)

• Race, ethnicity, country of origin, place of birth (example: What’s your accent?)

• Sex or gender identity

• Sexual orientation

• Whether they are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or have children (examples: Would you need childcare in Austin? Where do your kids go to school?)

• Marital status or domestic living arrangement (example: Would anyone be moving to Austin with you?)

• Citizenship or visa status

• Disability status

• Political orientation

• Religion or lack thereof

• Whether they have ever been arrested

• Military discharge type

• Financial status (examples: Do you own or rent? Do you have outstanding debt?)

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Reference checks

See HR: Check References.

Example reference check questions

• How well and in what capacity do you know the candidate?

• Can you give me an example of a time the candidate [demonstrated skill/aptitude at a required or preferred function of the job]?

• What are the candidate's strengths and challenges?

• For new scholars: What can you tell me about the candidate's potential for continued success as a scholar?

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Please send suggested additions to this page and notifications about broken links to COE-FacultyAffairs@austin.utexas.edu.