Step 9: Finalize Recruitment
Upon completion of the recruitment process the offer to the selected finalist is made.
Prior to initiating the offer, it is recommended that one more check of the selection process be completed as follows:
• Review the duties and responsibilities of the position and ensure they were accurately described and reflected in the job description and interview process
• Review selection criteria used to ensure they were based on the qualifications listed for the position
• Confirm interview questions clearly matched the selection criteria
• Confirm all applicants were treated uniformly in the recruitment, screening, interviewing and final selection process
• Should there be any issues with the above, contact your Organizational Human Resources Coordinator.
Initiating the Offer
• Once a final check of the selection process has been completed and the final applicant has been determined, the Committee Chair or designee will notify the Departmental HR Coordinator of the finalist’s name, salary and start date and enter the selection information into the ATS
• The Departmental HR Coordinator reviews the requisition in the ATS and ensures all applicants on the requisition have been assigned a decision code
• The Departmental HR Coordinator forwards this information to the Organizational HR Coordinator for review and approval
• Once approved, the Departmental HR Coordinator notifies the Committee Chair or designee of offer approval
• The Committee Chair or designee makes the offer to the finalist
Note: A verbal offer of employment and the finalist’s verbal acceptance creates a contractual relationship – therefore, ensure the offer has been approved prior to verbally offering the position
Negotiating the Offer
• Whenever possible, it’s recommended your best offer be made the first time as this displays proper market and internal equity practices and demonstrates good faith to the applicant.
• When offering the finalist the position, be sure to discuss the total compensation package (in addition to salary) such as paid time off and retirement benefits. Be excited and enthusiastic about the offer and let them know you are excited about them joining your team.
• UCR benefits and retirement programs are great selling points. In many cases, they are a key factor when deciding on accept or decline the offer. Finalists with additional benefit related questions should be referred to the Benefits webpage or Central Human Resources Benefits office.
• Lastly, if possible, discuss the great learning and development opportunities which may be available to them in achieving their professional goals. Most individuals value this just as much, in some cases more, than the base salary being offered.
Countering the Offer
• Despite your best offer, there may be instances where the applicant declines
• Discuss the reasons for the offer being declined with the applicant – and look beneath the surface. Applicants decline offers for various reasons and not always due to the salary being offered.
• If an offer is declined due to salary, the department may make a counter offer provided the amount is within the appropriate guidelines for the role and department
• Counter offers must be reviewed and approved by the Organizational HR Coordinator
Finalizing the Offer
It is important that each recruitment be properly closed, including the notification of those interviewed and not selected, as well as all documentation associated with the recruitment be uploaded to the ATS.
To ensure proper closure, the Staff Recruitment and Selection Checklist should be completed and the following actions conducted:
• Once an offer has been accepted, the Committee Chair or designee notifies the Departmental HR Coordinator and requests the offer letter be sent
• The Departmental HR Coordinator prepares and sends the offer letter
• The Departmental HR Coordinator ensures written acceptance of offer
• The Departmental HR Coordinator enters the finalist information into the ATS upon receipt of the signed offer (see iRecruit User Guide for instructions)
• The Departmental HR Coordinator contacts those individuals interviewed and not selected (at a minimum) by phone or letter. If contact is made by phone, ensure the conversation is documented.
• The Departmental HR Coordinator ensures all recruitment related documents are uploaded to the requisition in the ATS
• Upon notification of the recruitment being closed, the Departmental HR Coordinator will close out the requisition in the ATS