4 - Shortlisting

The challenge to the members of the Appointing Committee is to reach a shortlist in a way which is reliable, valid and fair by comparing evidence in the application against the essential & desirable criteria for the post.

The job description should identify those essential and desirable criteria which can be assessed from the details contained in the application form/CV/letter of application.  It is extremely important that the essential and desirable criteria are compiled on the needs of the post and the skills required.

All members of the Appointing Committee should normally be involved in the short-listing process and complete a Shortlist assessment formto be used a reference guide when discussing the short list.  

All candidates called for interview must meet all essential criteria, where a candidate does not meet one or more of the essential criteria, that candidate cannot be appointed to the post.  If you have a large number of applicants who appear to meet the essential criteria then the desirable criteria should be used to identify those who are most suitable.

It is essential that all information is completed correctly on the short list assessment form in order that this can be used as a formal record for those candidates you have short-listed and reasons for not short-listing other applicants.  Remember that individuals can potentially appeal against a decision not to be short-listed, decisions taken therefore must be fair, objective and non-discriminatory and properly recorded. 

You should not normally expect to interview more than 6 candidates.  The structure of the interview should be decided upon at this stage.

One fully completed and clear short list assessment form representing the collective view of the Appointing Committee should be returned to Human Resources with the Shortlist recommendation form (Support staff)or Shortlist recommendation form (Academic).

The University has been awarded the "two ticks" disability symbol by Jobcentre Plus in recognition of it's commitment to disabled people.  We are committed to interviewing all disabled applicants who meet the published essential criteria for any advertised post.  The application form will be clearly marked indicating that the candidate has applied through this scheme.  Policy available at this link.

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