Assessing Candidates

Candidate Assessment Tools

The Interview should be viewed as one component of the overall selection process. Other assessment tools are available to hiring managers and should also be used in conjunction with the interview:

Computer Software Skills Assessment (Qwiz Computer Skills Assessment)

QWIZ is an assessment tool used to evaluate computer skills of potential candidates at the University of Notre Dame. A computer testing center has been established in the Office of Human Resources, 200 Grace Hall, to accommodate applicants.

Test results are generated immediately upon completion of each testing session and results are then communicated to the hiring department. Depending on the needs of the hiring department, testing can be customized.

Skills assessments are available in the following areas:

  • MS Office Suite 95, 97, 2000
  • MS Word
  • MS Excel
  • MS Power Point
  • MS Access
  • MS Outlook
  • Windows 95, 98, 2000 Operating Systems
  • Lotus 97
  • WordPerfect 7.0, 8.0, 9.0
  • Word Pro 9.0
  • Data Entry
  • Typing
  • Letter Composition/Editing
  • Audio Transcription
  • Shorthand/Speed writing
  • Ten-Key

Reference Checks

It is strongly recommended that the hiring department conduct reference checks prior to extending an offer of employment. It is imperative that before checking references, an application for employment has been completed by the candidate and is on file with the Office of Human Resources. Your Recruiting Consultant is available to provide guidance to hiring managers in obtaining references upon request.

Internal Candidate Reference Checks

  • When considering an internal/University employee as a final candidate for a campus position, the hiring manager should advise the employee prior to contacting the candidate's supervisor to obtain information regarding the employee's present work performance.
  • Hiring managers are also encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resources for the purpose of obtaining information regarding the employee's performance as contained in the personnel file. This information may be reviewed with a representative from the Office of Human Resources upon request.

Reference Check Form

Degree/Educational Verification

Educational degrees received and/or enrollment in accredited colleges/universities can be verified by Human Resources upon request.

Pre-Employment Screens

Upon finalizing the hiring decision, your offer of employment to the selected candidate is contingent upon the candidate successfully completing required pre-employment checks including:

  1. Indiana Sex Offender Registry Check
  2. Criminal Records Verification
  3. Pre-Employment Drug Test
  4. Pre-Employment Physical Examinations*

*Pre-employment Physical Examinations may be required for positions where the nature of the work renders it necessary. However, the University does not generally require pre-employment physicals as a condition of employment.

Notification of Pre-Employment Test Results

These checks will be conducted through the Office of Human Resources and the results communicated to the hiring manager as soon as they become available. The process normally takes up to four (4) business days once the screens are initiated. The candidate cannot begin employment until the results of all pre-employment checks have been received by Human Resources.