Shortlisting

(February 2004)

In the Department of Education, Tasmania shortlisting usually takes place on the basis of the information and evidence provided in written applications. The selection panel should make an assessment of whether each candidate appears to meet the selection criteria and determine who, if any, are to be interviewed. Selection panels may obtain further information about some or all applicants, for example by contacting referees or by seeking task or activity verification to assist with shortlisting. The panel may shortlist applicants against the selection criteria using an agreed rating scale.

There is no minimum or maximum number of applicants that should be interviewed. However, selection panels should be aware of the following when determining the shortlist for interview.

Applicants, including an employee acting in the position, must not be shortlisted :

• when they do not meet the essential requirements; or
• when they do not meet one or more of the selection criteria; or
• when other candidates meet the criteria to a higher standard.

However, in some circumstances an applicant may not meet the essential requirements of a position at time of application but may do so shortly thereafter. For example, a person may be about to graduate or obtain a required qualification. In these instances, the panel may choose to shortlist these applicants who, if successful, must provide verification of their qualifications before appointment to the position.

The fact that an applicant has not specifically addressed the selection criteria nor submitted an application in the preferred format are not sufficient reasons for not shortlisting.

Internal applicants should not be favoured in the shortlisting process even if they are currently acting in the particular vacancy.

Selection panels should keep a record of the reasons for each applicant not being shortlisted for the purposes of post-selection counselling and potential review. Details of processes used to assist shortlisting must form part of the selection report.

Shortlisting should be completed within two weeks of the closing date for applications.

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Notification

(December 2003)

Upon completion of shortlisting, the selection panel convenor must ensure that the approved departmental letters are sent, at the same time, to all applicants advising them whether or not they are required to attend an interview.

The approved departmental letter to the shortlisted applicants will also include advice about the nature of the interview and whether they will be required to bring documentation or other evidence with them. A minimum of two working days notice of interview must be given to shortlisted applicants. This may need to be longer depending on the nature of the interview.

The approved departmental letter to the non-shortlisted applicants will include contact details for the selection panel convenor.

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Contact Details

(January 2005)

For further information or assistance in relation to the above please contact Staffing and Establishment Services on (03) 6233 7251 or via e-mail: Recruitment@education.tas.gov.au

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