Screen and Select

Selecting the right candidates is about more than just filling an open seat; it is a thoughtful process of building a community where both the individual and the university can flourish. 

By carefully screening for a strong blend of competencies and a shared commitment to the institution’s mission, hiring managers help the university invest in it’s long-term success while also maintaining a vibrant and supportive community.

What to Expect

Step 1: Screen applicants

Who: TA specialist, hiring manager

How to Use the PeopleSoft Employment System

Submit, track, and review your job openings and applications through myu.umn.edu/employment.

Human Resources Management Services (HRMS) instruction offers extensive training on using PeopleSoft to hire new employees. See the webpages on hiring for supervisors and HR professionals. You will need to sign in to your University of Minnesota account to view these resources.

Step 2: Select candidates for an interview 

Who: Hiring manager, unit HR, TA specialist, TA consultant, search committee members

Step 3: Interview the candidates 

Who: Unit HR, hiring manager, TA consultant, hiring team or search committee members

Interview Tools

Prohibited and Acceptable Interview Questions

These guidelines apply at any time before a job offer is accepted.

To ask about other specific interview questions, contact your unit's HR professional, the central Office of Human Resources, the Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office, or the Office of the General Counsel.

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Age

Acceptable

  • (If required) Are you 18 years or older?
  • What are your long-term career goals?

Prohibited

  • When did you graduate high school?
  • Do you plan to retire soon?

Disability

Acceptable

  • With or without accommodation, are you able to perform the essential functions of this job?
  • This position requires you to occasionally lift 25 pounds. Are you able to meet that?

Prohibited

  • Do you have a disability or health problem?
  • Do you need a work accommodation?
  • How many times were you sick last year?
  • Do you have a condition that affects your work?
  • Have you filed a work comp claim?
     

Marital Status

Acceptable

None. Spousal offers should be discussed at the time of the offer.

Prohibited

  • Are you married?
  • Is that/what is your maiden name?
  • Would you need a spousal offer?

Military/Veteran Status

Acceptable

  • If needed for employment history, you may ask about applicant’s military experience in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Prohibited

  • What type of discharge did you receive?
  • When will you be deployed?
  • Any inquiry about non-US military service.

Pregnancy/Familial Status

Acceptable

  • The hours for this position are X-X. Are you able to work those hours?
  • (If required of the role) This position at times requires evening or weekend work. With advanced notice, are you able to accommodate that?

Prohibited

  • How many children do you have?
  • When are you due?
  • Do you have childcare arrangements?
  • Who all lives with you?
  • Will these work hours get in the way of your kids’ schedules?

Public Assistance

Acceptable

  • The schedule of the position is X. Are you able to work these hours?

Prohibited

  • Do you rent or own your home?
  • Where do you live?
  • Do you own a car?

Race/Nationality

Acceptable

  • Are you legally eligible to work in the US?
  • Do you require sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future to be eligible for employment in the US?

Prohibited

  • What language do you speak at home?
  • Your name sounds like it's from [country]?
  • How did you learn [foreign language]?

Religion

Acceptable

  • The schedule of the position is X-X. Are you able to work these hours?

Prohibited

  • What church do you attend?
    What religious holidays do you observe?
    What are you doing for [religious holiday, e. g. Christmas or Passover]?
  • Do you wear X because of your faith?

Salary/Pay

Acceptable

  • What is your salary/hourly rate expectation?

Prohibited

  • What is your current salary/hourly rate?
  • How much money have you made in past positions?

*Note: For internal candidates, it is also prohibited to look up a candidate's current pay or salary history in PeopleSoft. 

For a more comprehensive explanation, review the Pay History webpage. 

Sex/Gender/Gender Identity

Acceptable

  • Because pronouns may reveal gender identity, do not ask for them. You may share your pronouns when introducing yourself, but do not solicit this information.

Prohibited

  • What gender do identify with?
  • What pronouns would you like us to use?

Sexual Orientation

Acceptable

None.

Prohibited

  • What is your sexual orientation?
  • Do you have a same-sex partner in need of benefits?