Once you have the job description, consider the following to improve your committee's chances for success in your search:
Begin searches early, before the busiest or most competitive periods.
Include only needed qualifications in the position description, and if there is a choice of specialty areas, consider searching for either rather than selecting one.
Use a personal approach in recruiting applicants — get on the phone!
Make personal contacts with minorities and women at professional conferences and invite them to apply.
Contact colleagues at other institutions to seek nominations of students nearing graduation, recipients of fellowships and awards, or others interested in moving laterally, making sure to request inclusion of qualified women and minorities.
Identify suitable junior or mid-level faculty/staff at other institutions and send job announcements. Telephone calls and letters to nominees and applicants can send a strong message of interest.
Re-advertise or add more recruiting during the search, if needed.
Consult your departmental HR facilitator for assistance in formulating and executing your search.
