When the job ad is being written, to ensure consistency and alignment between the job description and assessment criteria
An assessment rubric should be finalized by the search committee prior to the review of applications, to ensure that the process remains fair and focused on the key qualifications determined ahead of time (see “Preparation” above)
For “open rank” searches (i.e., “assistant or associate,” “associate or full,” or open to all ranks), consider creating more than one assessment rubric, given that different levels of experience and achievement may be expected from applicants at different stages of their careers.