5.4 Screening Resumes/Curriculum Vitae

Prior to reviewing resumes or curricula vitae, search committees shall determine the criteria they will use to screen applicants based on the qualifications specified in the position announcement. Sample screening tools are available online.

The following tips help ensure a fair screening process:

• Assign several committee members to screen application materials.
• Create a well-documented screening process in which each applicant’s qualifications are compared with the qualifications specified in the position announcement.
• A screening matrix which charts each applicant’s qualifications vis-à-vis the requisite and desired qualifications allows the search committee to compare each applicant’s qualifications at a glance.
• Telephone interviews may be used as a screening tool to determine or clarify whether applicants meet the requisite and desirable qualifications.