UHR Employment and Compensation Office

1. Why do I have to fill out an application?
2. What happens when I submit my application?
3. Do you keep applications on file for future vacancies?
4. When should I fill out a new application?
5. If I am certified for the job title, will I get an interview?
6. What does the term "minimum qualifications" mean?
7. Can I request that my name be added to a list?
8. If my name is forwarded to the departments, how long after the closing date should I expect to hear something?
9. How will the department contact me?
10. What are the hours that I can submit my application?
11. What are the differences between exempt and nonexempt positions?
12. How do I apply for exempt and faculty vacancies?
13. How do I know which positions are available?
14. What benefits does the University offer?
15. Is the application available online?
16. Definition of Job Types

1. Why do I have to fill out an application?
   
   The employment application is considered a legal document. You sign the back of the application stating that all the information you have supplied is true. The application is the only document that is forwarded to the departments. It is in your best interest to accurately complete the application. Include all of your employment history as well as any special skills that you may have, such as knowledge of computer programs or a special license. This is the only information that is reviewed by the Employment office. Therefore, it is very important to correctly complete this document. Be sure to follow all instructions on the application.



2. What happens when I submit my application?
   
   When you submit your application, it must be for a specific current vacancy. One of our Employment Specialists will review it to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position. If you do, you are certified to compete for that title. After the closing date all applicants who have met the minimum requirements are certified for that title and are considered for the position. Each individual application is closely reviewed and the pool is narrowed, typically to 10-12 candidates. These are the applications that are forwarded to the department. It is very important to accurately complete the application.



3. Do you keep applications on file for future vacancies?
   
   No. It is your responsibility to fill out an application for each specific vacancy.



4. When should I fill out a new application?
   
   You should fill out a new application for each current vacancy you want to apply for.



5. If I am certified for the job title, will I get an interview?
   
   Not necessarily. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not mean you will get an interview. Once we screen for eligibility, we further screen for the specific skills and abilities that match the current vacancy.



6. What does the term "minimum qualifications" mean?
   
   Minimum qualifications are the basic skills, education, experience, and knowledge necessary for the position as defined in the specific USM Job Class Specification.



7. Can I request that my name be added to a list?
   
   No.



8. If my name is forwarded to the departments, how long after the closing date should I expect to hear something?
   
   It will take at least two weeks, perhaps longer, to hear something. The employing department has the responsibility to conduct personal or telephone interviews with each candidate that appears on the List of Eligibles.



9. How will the department contact me?
   
   Most applicants are contacted by telephone. If the interviewing department is having difficulty reaching you by phone they may contact you by mail.



10. What are the hours that I can submit my application?
    
    The Office of Employment Services is open Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Applicants are welcome to come in on a walk in basis between these hours. The office is closed on University holidays. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment by calling 301-405-5679. Applications are also accepted by e-mail at jobs@umd.edu or by fax at 301-405-5688.



11. What are the differences between Exempt and Nonexempt positions?
    
    Nonexempt positions are subject to the minimum wage and overtime pay provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Within the USM, Nonexempt positions are those that are classified as maintenance, office, service, and technical/para-professional on the basis of their essential duties. The Nonexempt category is governed by the USM Nonexempt Pay Program, which includes system-wide job class specifications. Nonexempt employees must be paid overtime for time worked that exceeds 40 hours in the standard workweek.
    
    Exempt positions are salaried positions that are not subject to the minimum wage and overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. At the university, Exempt positions are managerial, administrative, and professional in nature, and are classified as such on the basis of their essential duties. Job descriptions are unique to each Exempt position, and unlike the Nonexempt job classes, there is not standardization across titles. Exempt employees are ineligible to earn overtime.



12. How do I apply for exempt and faculty vacancies?
    
    Applicants for Exempt positions are required to send resumes directly to the department's search committee as indicated on the job posting. Faculty recruitment is conducted by the individual academic department. Those interested in faculty positions are required to send curriculum vitae directly to the department's search committee.



13. How do I know which positions are available?
    
    The employment vacancies are announced on a 24-hour job line (301-405-5677), on our web site, and on the bulletin board on the first floor of the Chesapeake Building. If you work on campus, your department may also have the vacancies posted. The vacancies are normally changed on Friday and most positions are posted for two weeks.



14. What benefits does the University offer?
    
    Please visit the University Human Resources-Office of Employee Benefits web page at www.uhr.umd.edu.



15. Is the application available online?
    
    Yes it is. The application is available to submit online or in a PDF format or a MS Word document. You may submit the on-line application or print it out, complete it and send it in or fax it to 301-405-5688.



16. Definition of Job Types
    
    Nonexempt staff positions are support positions in maintenance, office, service, and technical/para-professional areas. These positions are subject to the minimum wage and overtime pay provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. They are paid on an hourly basis and must be paid overtime for hours worked that exceed 40 hours in the standard workweek.
    
    Exempt staff positions are managerial, administrative and professional in nature. They are salaried positions that are not subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
    
    Contingent I positions are non-regular hourly, and are seasonal or intermittent in nature. These positions are appointed for six months or fewer. Contingent 1 employees are ineligible for benefits, pursuant to BOR Policy VII-1.40 "Policy on Contingent Status Employment." Departments may hire a Contingent I employee without a competitive selection process as long as minimum qualifications are met.
    
    Contingent II positions are appointed for a term of greater than six months, but no more than twelve months. A minimum level of benefits is guaranteed for Contingent II employees, and additional benefits may be negotiated at the discretion of the department. Contingent II vacancies require a competitive selection process.