A Selection Committee is a committee made up of members who have diverse expertise and experience in a particular field. Its purpose is to determine which applicants have the best chance of succeeding in the position. They are expected to fairly evaluate applications for merit and to minimize the possibility of bias. This can be a valuable way to find the best person for a job.
The composition of a selection committee varies according to the nature of the position. An academic staff selection committee is likely to include faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders in the university community. For a professional position, it is important to include members who have functional expertise. These individuals should be as diverse as possible. As well, they should be well informed and have a good understanding of the position.
In addition, candidates should be prepared to answer questions from the committee. They should also discuss with the committee the perceptions they hope to achieve in the position, as well as the organizational structure and the perceptions of other staff and clients.
When candidates are invited to interview, they should be encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment. If they do not, they may be advised not to attend. Moreover, they should wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing.
Members of the Selection Committee should maintain confidentiality in the deliberations of the committee. However, they should not discuss the process with anyone outside the selection committee. To ensure this, they should be in agreement on the differentiating criteria, such as the level of experience, the diversity of experience, and the ability to make objective decisions.
The Selection Committee should meet at least three or four times per year. Ideally, it should include employees from different departments, levels, and groups. During the meetings, the committee can discuss a candidate’s questionnaire, which is used to assess his suitability for the position. After the interviews, the Selection Committee can publish a report on the suitability of each candidate. Some select committees do not conduct a detailed interview with each candidate, instead choosing to use a Summary of Evaluation.
While it is true that Selection Committees are an effective method for conducting transparent merit-based selection, the selection of a candidate can be a challenging process. Despite the benefits of a fair and transparent hiring process, mistakes can have long-term consequences. Thus, members of the committee should be well-informed, unbiased, and as diverse as possible.
Ensure that the Selection Committee meets all requirements of the University. The committee should be elected by the conference that they represent and should be able to serve for a period of five years. Additionally, the committee members should be confirmed as soon as possible. Finally, the Selection Committee should be a diverse group, including people from different backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and experiences.
The Selection Committee should be appointed under the Standing Order 222, which specifies the program of business for committees. Each member of the Selection Committee will assess the applicant based on his or her experience, applicant criteria, and potential for future engagement.