How to shortlist job candidates

Author: Alison Clayton-Smith

Summary

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• Develop shortlisting criteria by referring to the job description, person specification and competency profile for the role.
• Create a shortlisting panel made up of members who should decide on the shortlisting criteria, assess applications and agree the final shortlist.
• Distinguish between the essential and desirable criteria against which applicants will be assessed.
• Conduct an initial screening process to filter out applicants who do not meet the basic qualifying criteria for the post.
• Consider the pros and cons of using an online applicant tracking system to automate screening and/or shortlisting.
• Consider conducting telephone or video screening interviews.
• Prepare a shortlisting assessment form to record evidence of the decision-making process.
• Develop a scoring and weighting system to rank candidates in an objective and consistent manner.
• Score each candidate against the shortlisting criteria and make a final decision on the shortlist.