After a unit posts a position, the Employment Office of Human Resources compiles an interview list for those meeting the minimum requirements from the applicant pool and then sends it to the hiring department. According to our contract, the list is to be composed of up to four applicants from the hiring department and up to eight applicants from the University at large, based on seniority.

So, how do you get on that list?

When interested in a position, an individual submits an "Employee Request for Consideration for Support Staff Position Vacancy" (formerly known as the "green form") to Human Resources or by calling the Computerized Human Resources Information Service (CHRIS) (353-3720, ext. 372) by the closing date. The form should be available from your current department and can also be obtained from Human Resources’ forms website (http://www.hr.msu.edu/docweb/forms.htm). Most applicants also attach a resumé, which Human Resources recommends.

If you are not interested in a currently posted position, you may place your resumé on file so that it will be available when you bid, through CHRIS, on future jobs. This resumé remains on file until you submit a change.

You may then use CHRIS to apply for posted positions over the telephone. CTs may bid on one or two CT positions, according to the contract, or more than two if bidding on positions in another bargaining unit.

Since using CHRIS eliminates the need to submit an Employee Request form with each application, it is crucial that your resumé always be up to date. If necessary, you can submit a new resumé tailored to the particular job in which you are interested by utilizing the Employee Request form and sending it to the Employment Office, 110 Nisbet. Since creating a different resumé for each job can become cumbersome—and confusing—it is best to maintain one complete and updated resumé in CHRIS. Always know which version of your resumé is on file.

You may have been left off an interview list for any of several reasons. For example, you may have less seniority than other applicants, or you may not have provided Human Resources with evidence that you meet the minimum qualifications. You may call CHRIS to check your bid status if you bid via CHRIS or by paper form.

CAs and URs have answered numerous complaints over the years from CTs who felt that Human Resources should have known they had the necessary skills because of the nature of their current job or the education they listed. If their current position requires a particular skill, especially if it is listed as one of the minimum requirements for their classification, they argue, Human Resources should assume they have that skill.

According to Kris Hynes, Director of Human Resource Services, however, the Employment Office only knows that you meet the minimum requirement for a particular posting if you specifically tell them! Not every employee in a classification possesses every skill that can be required. Therefore, you must make sure all skill and educational requirements are addressed in your resumé. If your current resumé leaves something off, submit a new one.

Human Resources points to several places you can go for help with your resumé. Representatives in their own Employment Office are available to advise you (353-3720). You can also call or visit Career Services and Placement at 113 Student Services Building (http://www.csp.msu.edu/, 355-9510). In addition, Human Resources posts a list of links that might be of assistance at http://www.hr.msu.edu/Depts/Emp/vcc/a8add.htm.

Do not be discouraged if the job in which you are interested is posted as underutilized by either women or minorities—even if you are not of the specified underrepresented group. Apply! It frequently happens that applications are not received from qualified women and/or minorities who are underrepresented in a position category. If not enough qualified CTs have applied, majority candidates from outside the University will end up on the list—instead of you!

In addition to keeping an updated and complete resumé on file, Gene Rummel, an employment representative with MSU’s Employment Office, suggests that it would be wise for applicants to check their official personnel folders. Although written reprimands are removed after a specified period of time and everything in your file should be current, it is always a good idea to review the contents if you are actively seeking other employment at MSU.