Screening is not about finding the most impressive CV. It is about identifying which candidates have credible evidence against the requirements you defined before reviewing applications.
A repeatable screening process
- Set a review window or closing date.
- Remove duplicates and incomplete records using one rule.
- Apply genuine knockout questions separately.
- Score the remaining applications against one role-specific scorecard.
- Record evidence rather than impressions.
- Mark missing information as missing instead of assuming the worst.
- Flag uncertain applications for human review.
- Compare the shortlist side by side.
- Record why each candidate progressed or did not progress.
Example scorecard
| Criterion | Weight | Evidence to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Relevant experience | 25% | Similar responsibilities, environment, level, or customer context. |
| Demonstrated outcomes | 25% | Specific outputs, improvements, results, or decisions. |
| Essential skills | 25% | Direct evidence of required tools, methods, or qualifications. |
| Transferable capability | 15% | Adjacent experience that maps credibly to the role. |
| Clarity of evidence | 10% | The application explains the candidate’s contribution clearly. |
Weights should change by role. They are not a universal formula.
Write evidence notes
Good note: “Managed approximately 50 customer cases per day, introduced triage, and reduced unresolved cases from two days to one.”
Weak note: “Seems energetic and experienced.”
The first note can be compared. The second records an impression.
Do not score irrelevant characteristics
Do not score names, photos, age, gender, nationality, accent, appearance, disability, or other characteristics unrelated to the work. Be careful with employer prestige, career gaps, and educational background; context matters.
Human review
An application that lacks evidence is not necessarily an application that lacks capability. Allow a human reviewer to inspect borderline cases, record uncertainty, and override a recommendation with a reason.
Download the CV screening scorecard or screen applications in HireMike.