- Acknowledgement of application:
Remember, Form 2 is must be sent to the applicant.
It is always good personnel practice to acknowledge the receipt of the applicant's materials. We recommend using words like that below to do this. It also allows the university to collect vital information.
"Thank you for your application for the position of_____________________ at George Mason University. The search committee is just beginning its work and will contact you as the search progresses. In the meantime, in order to ascertain the effectiveness of our recruitment efforts we ask that you fill out the enclosed form and return to the university in the envelope provided. This information, while valuable to the university, will not affect your candidacy and will not be used against you in any way. Your cooperation, however, is greatly appreciated."
Sincerely,
(Chair, Search Committee or Search Committee)
- Letter of Regret:
It is also good personal practice to send a letter of regret or rejection to the applicant who is not successful in getting the job. While it is never pleasant to get bad news, most candidates will respect the fact that the university took the time to inform them. This may be difficult in large searches but the positive feelings (i.e., the professionalism of the university, and the department) outweigh the logistical problems associated with a large number of letters to unsuccessful candidates. We recommend some variation of the following:
"Thank you for your recent application to George Mason University for the position of___________________. We were very fortunate to have a number of exceptionally well-qualified applicants. While your credentials were good, we were, unfortunately, not able to endorse your candidacy for the position. I (we) wish you luck in your future endeavors. (optional) Please keep GMU in mind should you become aware of future openings that meet your qualifications.
Sincerely,
(Chair, Search Committee or Search Committee)
- When a candidate is nominated:
Just because a candidate is nominated for a position, does not automatically make that person a candidate. The search committee must contact the nominated individual and ask the person whether they wish to be considered for the position. In addition, the nominated individual, just like any other candidate, must send all the required information to the committee. We recommend some variation of the following:
You have been nominated for the position of _______________ at George Mason University. If you are interested in the position, pleased send your completed application for consideration by the search/recruitment (date that the review of applications begins or closing date). A completed application includes resume/vita, names of references, letter of interest.etc. As a nominee, you will not be considered an applicant for this position until the search committee receives all of the above items. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
(Chair, Search Committee or Search Committee)
