(1) Agency managers and individuals involved in the selection shall use job-related processes to evaluate the applicant's qualifications against the job requirements and ability to integrate successfully into the agency's culture.

(2) Agency managers and individuals involved in the selection process shall recognize the unique backgrounds and experiences of each applicant. Selection procedures must be flexible enough to elicit information about the applicant's qualifications and potential contributions to the work unit. Agency managers shall compare applicants to the job qualifications and others in the applicant pool to select the best applicant for the job and work unit.

(3) Agency managers may select from any of the most qualified group of applicants. The public employment hiring preferences must be applied as provided in Veterans' Employment Preference, MOM Policy 3-0172, revised October 3, 2003; Persons with Disabilities Employment Preference, MOM Policy 3-0171, revised February 11, 2000; and as provided in 2-18-111, MCA, Hiring preference for residents of Indian reservations for state jobs within reservation. These policies are incorporated by reference and are also available from the State Human Resources Division, Department of Administration, Room 130 Mitchell Building, 125 Roberts Street, P.O. Box 200127, Helena, MT 59620-0127, or telephone (406) 444-3871.