Reception at the interview

Reception of applicants invited to interviews

Why is the manner of reception important?

Giving applicants invited to interviews a good reception is an important part of the recruitment process. It gives applicants a positive impression of Uppsala University as an employer and as a university.

News spreads of both positive and negative impressions/experiences. What message do we want to convey?

The reception of applicants can:

• Strengthen Uppsala University’s brand
• Be positive for potential future cooperation
• Create a positive image so that applicants offered a job will want to accept it

Importance of hosts

• The recruiting department appoints hosts for applicants
• In general terms, hosting involves:
  • receiving applicants in a welcoming, correct and professional manner
  • presenting the department, faculty and University
  • showing applicants round the department
  • eating lunch with applicants
  • showing applicants the way to lecture halls and/or meeting rooms
  • being available for any questions (e.g. directions, technical arrangements, etc.)
    

Recruitment Committee’s information for hosts for applicants

It is desirable to give all applicants called to interview a correct, professional and welcoming reception. The interview offers an excellent chance to present the faculty and the department and it is of great importance to make them appear attractive to applicants in every way. On these occasions, applicants should be given the opportunity to ask the department questions.

It is the department where the position is based that is host for applicants called to interview. When dates for interviews have been decided, the head of department is informed of this and appoints a host. The host is expected to contact the applicants in good time before the meeting. When applicants arrive, the host must make sure they are properly welcomed (receive them, be on hand for any questions, lunch, etc.) and, if necessary, accompany them to the venue for the trial lecture/interview. The applicants’ contact information can be found in Varbi.

Programme for applicants

• The faculty management strongly recommends that the recruiting department put a programme for applicants together beside the Recruitment Committee’s programme.
• A programme for applicants could include:
  • a presentation of the department and the division/programme where the position is based
  • asking applicants to give a seminar
  • some other activities
    

Contacts with applicants

• Applicants see Uppsala University as an employer. It is therefore important that they receive coherent information.
• The Faculty Office approves the Recruitment Committee’s programme and ensures that all those concerned receive it.
• The department contacts applicants and gives them information about hosts, programme at the department, etc.
• The department makes travel and hotel bookings so that they can be adjusted to the points described above. The department also bears the costs, which are taken from the department’s common funds.