Interviewing for a Job at SIU-SM
Civil Service | Faculty, Principal Administrative, Research
Civil Service Vacancies
Numerical examination scores are used to determine who is eligible to be referred to the hiring department for a job interview. The three persons in highest standing on the employment register for a specific title are eligible for referral (in the case of tied scores, all persons at that score are referred). Most employment registers are a composite of scores from previously tested applicants and recently tested applicants; however, certain employment registers are voided after each hire is made.
Contacting Applicants
Once all new applicants for a vacancy have been tested and scores added to the employment register, the "top 3" candidates eligible for referral are identified (more in the case of tied scores) and copies of their application materials are scanned to the hiring department. Applicants are generally contacted by the hiring department, but in some cases may be contacted by Human Resources, to determine their interest in interviewing for a specific vacancy. Applicants do not have to accept an interview to stay active on the employment list; however, they do have to respond to any phone message or written notice sent to inquire about their interest.
To assist you in preparing for the interview process, you may wish to review our Interviewing Tips.
If you've been contacted to schedule an interview and have not already reviewed the Position Description for the vacancy, it may still be available for viewing on our Civil Service Position Description Archive page.
Interviewing Applicants
An interview team, consisting of the immediate supervisor, other appropriate supervisors or administrators, and sometimes peers or subordinates, will interview each candidate for a specific vacancy. Occasionally scheduling is complicated by the availability of all interviewers at the same time; therefore, this process may take some time. Once interviews have been completed, the interview team meets with a Human Resources professional to discuss each candidate. Once a selection is made or the candidates narrowed, employment references are checked and a final hire decision is made.
Making a Hire
The hiring department notifies Human Resources of their selected candidate, the offer salary authorized and the desired effective date. Once any required background investigation has cleared, Human Resources will contact the applicant by phone to extend the hire offer. Applicants are typically asked to provide Human Resources with a decision within 24 hours.
Note: Only the Office of Human Resources is authorized to make an official offer of employment for Civil Service positions.
Faculty, Principal Administrative and Research Vacancies
CV's submitted for Faculty, Principal Administrative & Research vacancies are reviewed by the hiring department. Applicants whose overall qualifications and professional background are deemed a good match for the position are contacted to interview with the search committee and/or interview team.
References are checked on candidates considered a finalist for hire. A background investigation must be completed successfully as a condition of employment. Transcripts (original or certified copy) for the highest degree awarded will be required of all persons offered permanent employment. Candidates are generally offered the position by telephone with a confirmation letter and appointment notice to follow for signature.
Questions regarding a specific position posting should be directed to the department contact person listed in the posting. General inquiries may be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (217)545-3964.
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