Selection of Applicants Policy

All agencies shall select from the pool of the most qualified persons to fill vacant positions. Employment shall be offered based upon the job-related qualifications of applicants for employment using fair and valid selection criteria and not on political affiliation or political influence. Nepotism is not permitted. The selection of applicants for vacant positions shall be based upon a relative consideration of their qualifications for the position to be filled. Using fair and valid selection criteria, the agency shall review the credentials of each applicant and determine who possesses the minimum qualifications. From those applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, a pool of the most qualified candidates shall be identified. The pool of the most qualified candidates shall be those individuals determined to be substantially more qualified than other applicants. The individual selected for the position must be chosen from the pool of the most qualified applicants. Selection procedures and methods shall be validly related to the duties and responsibilities of the vacancy to be filled.

Important Note:

           Session Law 2025-34 (Senate Bill 124) became law on July 1, 2025.  This session law amends the North Carolina Human Resources Act in several ways.  The changes in Session Law 2025-34 will result in changes to this policy, because the bill changes the substance of some of the laws that are interpreted in this policy.  The changes in Session Law 2025-34 provide more flexibility to state employees and employers, especially in the hiring process.

           As a result, this policy will be amended at upcoming State Human Resources Commission meetings in 2025.  Until the policy is amended, follow the statute, not this policy, if anything in the statute contradicts this policy.

           If you have any questions, contact Wesley Davis, OSHR Legislative Director, at (984) 236-0806 or Wesley.Davis@nc.gov.

Documents

Related Content

Off