New computer-based resume system replaces manual steps

This month, the University is introducing a new computer-based resume tracking system designed to make it much easier for applicants to find a job and for hiring managers to fill open positions. “We are excited about this new system because it will benefit everyone involved in the process,” said Judith Friedberg, Director of Employment and Compensation in University Human Resources Management.

Most manual steps will be replaced by the new on-line system. Web-based forms will replace the paper requisition forms currently used by departmental hiring managers, as will paper employment applications. Job candidates will be able to use computers to submit their profiles and request a particular job.

In 2002, the University received 12,917 self-nominations, which included individuals applying for multiple jobs, to fill 1,258 open positions. The downturn in the U.S. economy has resulted in a steady increase in applicants, with applications peaking in September and October each year.

For all faculty and staff positions, the University must meet federal affirmative action requirements, including record-keeping, as required by the Department of Labor’s Employment Standards Administration’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. “All of the EEO information that we used to collect in individual paper mailers will now be part of the electronic candidate profile,” Friedberg said. “And that will save us time in manual review that we now can devote to more recruiting and outreach for affirmative action.”

When the on-line system is rolled out this month, human resources departmental administrators will be able to immediately view resumes as candidates submit information, and candidates will be able to view the status of a job from any computer with Internet access. Job listings, which have been posted on the UHRM Web site every Tuesday, now will be updated daily.

Chris Keeley, Associate Vice-President for University Human Resources Management, said she hopes the new system “will not only make the entire employment process much more efficient and accessible, but will also allow the staff at UHRM to focus on working even more closely with departments and with job seekers to find the best qualified individuals to join our community.”