Conducting a Search


This overview illustrates the basic steps in conducting a search to fill a vacant position. There may be some additional criteria depending on the type and classification of the position.


Required Training

Affirmative Action training is required for all searches. Search committee members will be required to complete Minnesota State Search Advisory Committee Training prior to serving on a search committee.

To register for this online course:

  • Using Chrome, log in to State of MN Employee Self-Service
  • Under Enterprise Menu, select 'State of MN Self Service'
  • Select 'Enterprise Learning Mgmt' from the lower right corner
  • Search the catalog for the course and enroll in all four modules
  • Launch and complete the modules from your All Learning folder

For detailed instructions on accessing the online training modules, please see our Search Advisory Committee Training (PDF).

1

Begin the Search

The Search Toolkit has all the instructions and documentation you need when participating on a search committee.

2

Evaluate Applicants

A search committee comprised of at least three (3) members will evaluate the applications. Evaluation will be based only upon the information provided by the applicant.​ 

3

Interview Finalists

Once all applications are reviewed, the search committee sends a list of applicants recommended for interview to the Director of Affirmative Action.

The Director, along with the hiring supervisor, then reviews the recommended applicants and if approved, will direct the committee to extend interview invitations.​ 

4

Recommend Candidates

After interviewing candidates, the search committee submits its recommendation to the hiring supervisor and the Director of Affirmative Action.

The Director consults with the hiring supervisor regarding affirmative action hiring goals. The hiring supervisor selects the candidate to be offered the position.​ 

5

Hire a Candidate

Once a candidate is recommended for hire, the hiring supervisor or Human Resources will extend an offer to the candidate.

If the candidate accepts the position, the hiring supervisor will work with Human Resources to initiate any necessary hire paperwork.​