Ongoing communication is vital to the success of the current search and to future searches. Our treatment of applicants, even those we do not wish to interview, should demonstrate the values of UAB and our respect for current and potential colleagues. Slow or sloppy communication can create a negative impression of the department, school, or university as a whole.

• Respectful communication and complete confidentiality are very important throughout the search
• Keep all candidates informed in a courteous and timely manner about the progress of the search
• Craft courteous form letters
• Notify candidates who were eliminated at the outset of the search because they do not meet minimum requirements; express appreciation for their interest in UAB
• Make timely requests to internal and external colleagues for nominations
• Send thank you messages upon receipt of nominations
• Send communications to nominees encouraging them to apply (include position description)
• Send timely acknowledgments of receipt of applications and/or other materials
• Send timely notification to candidates who are no longer being considered; provide feedback on their application, if appropriate, and thank them for their interest in UAB
• Engage in prompt follow-up with finalists after campus visits
• Make timely and courteous requests for references
• Keep the “short list” of candidates up to date on the status of the search, but they should not be told that another candidate has been offered the job until the finalist has accepted the department’s offer

Other considerations after the search has concluded:

• Provide assistance to the new faculty member to enhance the probability of success
• Department head should identify a mentor
• Do not place additional diversity-related expectations on newly hired minorities or women