As Freeborn County’s human resources director, lifelong Freeborn County resident and concerned citizen, I’d like to address what I believe may be a misunderstanding regarding the hiring process Freeborn County has in place for all applicants, including that of our next county administrator.

This is a process that we take very seriously. Freeborn County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we follow Veteran’s Preference when hiring.

Anyone applying for a position with Freeborn County will get a fair consideration. We review resumes and match skills, relevant education and work history to a scoring system. Once scored, the top candidates are contacted to participate in an onsite interview process. Interviews narrow down the candidate list even further. After careful consideration, an offer is made to a candidate.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of a thorough background check, including fingerprinting. During this time, we contact references and verify information provided in the resume.

Background checks are the final step in the process — not the first step. What we cannot do is base our hiring decisions on a “simple Google search.” or “Facebook post.” We must go through our process in order to make informed, fair and accurate decisions.

I am confident in our hiring process and assure you that the best possible candidate for this position will be identified. First, we have to go through the process.

I would like to thank the Albert Lea Tribune for acknowledging the importance of the system we have in place and the very important decision the county will be hiring for our next county administrator.

Stop in and visit with the candidates at 3 p.m. Aug. 8. We are meeting in the Freeborn Room at the Government Center.

Thank you.

Sue Tasker

Human Resources director

Freeborn County