Some interviewers focus on technical skills, others on personality. Before you know it, you're in a heated debate about whether the "fun" candidate or the "experienced" one should get the job.
If you’re still squabbling over who to hire, candidate scorecards can help. With role-specific scorecards tailored to each stage of the interview process, you can go beyond gut feelings and hire the right person every time.
When should I use a candidate scorecard?
A candidate scorecard is a standardized form used to rate job candidates against specific hiring criteria. With scorecards customized to each hiring stage, you can make sure every interviewer knows which skills to rate and how to rate them.
Hiring teams can use scorecards at any stage of the interview process to record thoughts on each candidate and capture first impressions before they fade.
Here's where candidate scorecards come in handy:
Interview stages
- Customize interview scorecards with the skills for each role
- Match scorecard criteria to your interview questions
- Complete scorecards directly inside video interviews
Technical assessments
- Measure hands-on skills instantly
- Evaluate real-world scenarios
- Grade practical exercises objectively
- Score technical presentations accurately
Culture fit
- Gauge team chemistry and dynamics
- Assess core values alignment
- Evaluate potential for culture-add
Final stage
- Combine all feedback
- Build team consensus
- Back up your hiring decisions
Get everyone’s feedback in one place with Breezy
No more chasing down evaluations or wrestling over best fit. Breezy streamlines the process with automated scorecards that give you structured feedback from the whole team.
Combine feedback faster
When candidates reach key pipeline stages, Breezy can:
- Notify hiring team members that it's time to evaluate
- Send friendly reminders until scorecards are complete
- Aggregate feedback for you
One-click rating scale
In Breezy, candidate scoring is straightforward with an easy thumbs up/down rating system:
👍 Thumbs up
- Meets/exceeds requirements
- Shows strong capability
- Recommended to advance
👎 Thumbs down
- Does not meet requirements
- Shows insufficient capability
- Not recommended to advance
Done-for-you scoring
Breezy sums up all scores into a single Candidate Score (1-10) shown directly on each candidate’s profile, giving you:
- A quick way to view top candidates in a glance
- Real-time score updates as new feedback comes in
Individual breakdowns in the Team Scorecards tab
3 simple candidate scorecard examples
Whether you’re using Breezy or another applicant tracking system, take time to customize your scorecard for each role. Don’t forget to provide a space where team members can leave written feedback.
Here are 3 candidate scorecard examples using a range of roles and interview stages.
Cashier
The right candidate for a cashier position will be reliable, good with people, and can handle money without breaking a sweat. Here’s an example of a candidate scorecard designed to help you spot those qualities.
Stage 1. Phone screen
Basic Requirements (👍/👎)
- Weekend availability
- Service experience
- Math skills
- Reliable transport
Customer Service (👍/👎)
- Clear speech
- Professional tone
- Positive attitude
- Listens well
Situational Response (👍/👎)
- Handles complaints
- Manages chaos
- Counts accurately
Feedback: _______
Stage 2. In-Person interview
Role-Play Tasks (👍/👎)
- Processes refunds
- Manages lines
- Resolves disputes
Professional Presence (👍/👎)
- Strong eye contact
- Clear speech
- Looks professional
- Shows enthusiasm
Technical Skills (👍/👎)
- Fast transactions
- Accurate counting
- Handles cash
- Organizes well
Feedback: _______
Overall Candidate Score (👍/👎): _______
Architect
A qualified architect can turn innovative designs into buildable structures while keeping projects on track. This scorecard helps you evaluate the full package – from technical expertise to team leadership.
Stage 1. Portfolio review
👍/👎 Rating for:
- Design innovation
- Project complexity
- Technical detail
- Visual presentation
Feedback: _______
Stage 2. Technical skills
👍/👎 Rating for:
- Revit mastery
- AutoCAD expertise
- 3D modeling
- Documentation quality
Feedback: _______
Stage 3. Interview
👍/👎 Rating for:
- Problem resolution
- Timeline control
- Budget management
- Team leadership
Feedback: _______
Overall Candidate Score (👍/👎): _______
Executive director
Executive Directors should have strategic vision, leadership experience, and the ability to rally stakeholders around a mission. This scorecard helps you evaluate candidates across these make-or-break areas:
Stage 1. Initial Interview
Leadership Experience (👍/👎)
- Strategic Vision
- Financial Oversight
- Team Management
- Fundraising Success
- Community Impact
Mission Fit (👍/👎)
- Values Alignment
- Future Vision
- Growth Strategy
Feedback: _______
Stage 2. Panel Interview
Leadership Skills (👍/👎)
- Decision Making
- Crisis Management
- Change Leadership
Cultural Assessment (👍/👎)
- Team Chemistry
- Communication Style
- Collaboration Focus
Feedback: _______
Stage 3. Final Evaluation
👍/👎 Rating for:
- Mission Match
- Leadership Ready
- Stakeholder Support
- Technical Skills
- Culture Add
Feedback: _______
Overall Candidate Score (👍/👎): _______
Tips and guidelines to make your scorecards count
When using any type of candidate screening form, make sure all the standard elements are accounted for, including your: equal opportunity statement, confidentiality notice, and internal use only designation.
Here are a few other tips for an effective candidate scoring process.
Rating structure
- Define clear criteria for each rating level (e.g., 👍 = Meets/exceeds requirements, 👎 = Does not meet requirements)
- Weight skills more heavily for must-have role requirements
Evaluation framework
- Break down scorecards into clear categories (technical skills, soft skills, experience, etc.)
- Use your interview guide to align criteria with interview questions
- Include "knockout" criteria for essential requirements
Feedback
- Provide dedicated space for notes and observations
- Document strengths and growth areas
- Flag any concerns or potential red flags
- Include specific examples to support ratings
💡Pro tip: Still wading through too many resumes? Get your best applicants into an interview sooner with Breezy's automated screening tools:
- Candidate questionnaires: Screen based on must-haves like work authorization or minimum experience
- Candidate match scoring: Let AI analyze resumes against job requirements to surface the best matches quickly
- Skills assessments: Verify technical abilities before investing time in interviews
- Stage automations: Use stage actions to send thank you emails and move top candidates forward faster
Stop guessing and start assessing with Breezy custom scorecards
Great hiring decisions don't happen by accident. With easy-to-use candidate scorecards, Breezy takes your hiring process from guessing game to streamlined system in no time.
No matter what role you’re hiring for, stage-specific scorecards make sure everyone knows what to look for. No more scattered feedback or endless debates – just a structured process that leads to confident hiring decisions, every time. 💪
Build a repeatable recruitment process in a fraction of the time. Learn more with a free 14-day trial.
