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Scorecards allow your hiring team to review all of a job's candidates using a set of predetermined criteria. This article provides answers to frequently asked questions about using scorecards.

Are scorecards required?

By default, scorecards are required for each interview.

How do I make scorecards optional?

We recommend keeping scorecards required so you can continue to see the benefits of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) in your hiring process.

However, you can make scorecards optional by going to the Job setup > Interview Plan. Click the Edit Edit-icon.png icon next to an interview stage.

Edit interview button

Scroll down to the Additional Settings section, then uncheck the box next to Requires scorecards to be submitted.

Check box for required scorecards to be submitted

What are focus attributes, and how do I use them?

The focus attributes feature allows your organization to select and emphasize which attributes interviewers should focus on during interviews. This sets the direction of the interview process and removes pressure from interviewers. Focus attributes play an essential role in structured decision-making.

Focus attributes are usually chosen during the job creation process but can also be added to existing jobs. Interviewers then rate each candidate based on how well they demonstrate each focus attribute.

Show additional attributes link

You can also link a focus attribute to a specific question to remind interviewers which attribute to assess.

Can I upload attachments to a scorecard?

No. However, a Site Admin can upload attachments to the candidate profile.

What do the different scorecard ratings mean?

Greenhouse Recruiting uses a five-point scale with icons to rate candidates on different attributes. The icons and their associated ratings are listed below:

Scorecard rating icon for Definitely Not  Definitely Not

Scorecard rating icon for No  No

Scorecard rating icon for Mixed or Neutral  Mixed or Neutral

Scorecard rating icon for Yes  Yes

Scorecard rating icon for Strong Yes  Strong Yes

Learn more about the research methods used to develop our rating system.

What do the different scorecard recommendations mean?

Each scorecard includes an Overall Recommendation section at the bottom of the page. In this section, the interviewer is prompted to answer the question, "Did the candidate pass the interview?"

The overall recommendation section on a scorecard

The interviewer can select from the following options:

  • Definitely Not
  • No
  • Yes
  • Strong Yes

However, an overall recommendation is optional to submit the scorecard. Clicking Submit Scorecard without an overall recommendation selected will mark the recommendation as "No Decision."

No decision on a scorecard overall recommendation

How do I edit a scorecard after I’ve submitted it?

You'll always have the option to return and make edits to your submitted scorecard. Learn more about editing an existing scorecard.

How do I view all the scorecards submitted for a candidate?

You can view all the scorecards submitted for a candidate by going to the Scorecards section of their candidate profile. 

Note: You may need specific permissions to view a candidate's scorecards. Learn more.

How do I prevent interviewers from seeing each other's scorecards?

Allowing interviewers to view each other's scorecards may introduce bias that could influence their scorecard submissions.

To prevent this, go to Configure  > Permission Policies. Scroll down to the Interviewers section and select Never

Interviewers-section-of-the-permissions-policies-page-with-the-option-never-selected-for-can-view-candidate-scorecards-submitted-by-other-users.png

Who can view private notes on a scorecard?

Private notes on a scorecard can be viewed by a Site Admin with the user-specific permission See private notes, salary info, manage offers, request approval, and approve jobs/offers. Learn more about this permission.