Review applications and screen candidates

PageUp & Recruiting Process Module: Part 3

 

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a federal contractor and therefore subject to audits from the Department of Labor, specifically the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP). The OFCCP is an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor that prevents federal contractor from using discriminatory employment practices.

Difference between a search committee and interview panel?

  • Search committees are identified personnel who work independently from the appointing authority to screen, interview and identify candidates for hire.
  • Interview panels are identified personnel who work with the appointing authority to screen, interview and identify candidate for hire.

UMass Equal Opportunity and Access Office

Equal Employment Opportunity Posters

Interview Question Ideas

Tips for Virtual Interviewing

Below are some helpful tips for departments to utilize as they navigate through the virtual interview process.

Prepare

  • Prepare for a virtual interview as you would if the candidate were attending in person.
  • Have a set of interview questions you will ask to each candidate that is interviewing for the position.
  • Make sure your interview panel or search committee understand each candidate must be treated the same throughout each stage of the interview process.
  • Internal candidates are to follow the same interview process as external candidate (i.e. if an extern candidate is interviewing via Zoom, the internal candidate will interview via Zoom as well).

Set Your Space

  • Choose a professional background, where your face is the focal point of the interview.
  • The area should be quiet, well lit, with neutral colors and furniture.
  • Avoid areas that will pose any sort of distraction to either you or the candidate.

Body Language

  • Keep in mind the candidate can see you at all times during the interview, just as if you were meeting with them in person. For this reason, your body language is extremely important in order to show you are engaged and interested.
  • Remember to sit up straight, maintain eye contact, look at the camera and not your computer screen, and interact just as you would in person.
  • Avoid looking at your cell phone, answering emails, talking to the people, etc., as this could send the wrong message to your candidate that you are uninterested or not taking the interview seriously.

Technology

  • Test your internet connection and video conferencing software beforehand to ensure everything is working properly.
  • Avoid using your cell phone camera as a video option, as phone calls and text messages can be unwanted distractions during the interview.

Professional Attire

  • Even though you may be in the comfort of your own home for the interview, you want to dress as if you were meeting with the candidate on campus.
  • A business professional or business casual outfit is recommended.
  • Avoid anything that could distract the candidate, i.e., flashy accessories or overpowering patters.
  • Remember that candidates are interviewing UMass as a potential employer, and we want to make sure we are giving them the right first impression.

Practice Run

  • The first time you log into your Zoom account or other video conferencing software should not be minutes before the interview.
  • Make sure you test your username and password to ensure you can log in correctly.
  • Familiarize yourself with the camera, and where you should look when asking and answering questions.

Importance of the Interview​​​​​

  • As the candidate may not have the opportunity to visit campus during the interview process, it is important they have a clear understanding of how the position will function within the campus community.
  • Be sure to emphasize the role's purpose and career path, as well as promoting UMass Amherst as an employer of choice.
  • Discuss our culture and give the candidate as accurate view of what it is like to work at UMass.