Agency hiring scorecard
16 Criteria, Scored 1 to 5, for Every Candidate
Free agency hiring scorecard: rate candidates 1 to 5 on 16 criteria across skills, communication, culture fit and practical fit, for a total out of 80.
Score on this page for free. For the Excel scorecard (one tab per candidate, automatic totals, must-have checks and a comparison tab) plus a printable PDF, enter your email.
Candidate scorecard
Score one candidate at a time from 1 to 5 on each criterion, using the descriptions for 1, 3 and 5. Your running total appears below the scorecard. Scores are not saved, so note them before you leave the page.
1Core Skills & Experience
Technical abilities and relevant background.
Technical proficiency
Required skills for the role
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Lacks basic skills; needs extensive training
Level 3 (Developing)
Meets requirements; some growth areas
Level 5 (Excellent)
Expert level; can mentor others
Relevant experience
Background applicable to the role
Level 1 (Needs Work)
No relevant experience
Level 3 (Developing)
Some relevant experience; learning curve expected
Level 5 (Excellent)
Deep, directly applicable experience
Portfolio/work quality
Demonstrated work output
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Poor quality; doesn't meet standards
Level 3 (Developing)
Good quality; meets expectations
Level 5 (Excellent)
Exceptional quality; raises the bar
Industry knowledge
Understanding of agency business
Level 1 (Needs Work)
No agency experience; steep learning curve
Level 3 (Developing)
Some agency knowledge; understands basics
Level 5 (Excellent)
Deep agency expertise; strategic thinker
2Soft Skills & Communication
How they work with clients and team.
Communication clarity
Ability to communicate effectively
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Unclear; hard to follow
Level 3 (Developing)
Clear; gets point across
Level 5 (Excellent)
Exceptional communicator; persuasive
Client-facing ability
Professionalism with clients
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Not client-ready; would need coaching
Level 3 (Developing)
Comfortable with clients; professional
Level 5 (Excellent)
Clients love them; builds relationships
Collaboration
Working with others
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Prefers solo work; team friction risk
Level 3 (Developing)
Good team player; collaborates well
Level 5 (Excellent)
Makes the team better; natural collaborator
Problem solving
Approach to challenges
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Needs hand-holding; avoids problems
Level 3 (Developing)
Solves problems with guidance
Level 5 (Excellent)
Independent problem solver; proactive
3Culture & Values Fit
How well they match the way your agency works.
Values alignment
Fit with company values
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Misaligned values; culture risk
Level 3 (Developing)
Generally aligned; some fit
Level 5 (Excellent)
Perfect alignment; will strengthen culture
Work style
How they prefer to work
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Work style mismatch
Level 3 (Developing)
Adaptable to our style
Level 5 (Excellent)
Natural fit; already works our way
Growth Mindset
Attitude toward learning
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Fixed mindset; resistant to feedback
Level 3 (Developing)
Open to growth; accepts feedback
Level 5 (Excellent)
Constantly learning; seeks feedback
Ownership mentality
Taking responsibility
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Blames others; avoids accountability
Level 3 (Developing)
Takes responsibility when asked
Level 5 (Excellent)
Owns outcomes; self-accountable
4Practical Considerations
Logistics and fit factors.
Availability
When they can start
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Availability doesn't work
Level 3 (Developing)
Can make it work
Level 5 (Excellent)
Available when we need them
Compensation alignment
Salary expectations vs. budget
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Way above budget; unlikely to close
Level 3 (Developing)
Within range; negotiable
Level 5 (Excellent)
Perfect fit; excited about offer
Location/remote fit
Geography and remote work
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Location/timezone issues
Level 3 (Developing)
Workable with some adjustments
Level 5 (Excellent)
Ideal location/remote setup
Long-term Potential
Growth trajectory
Level 1 (Needs Work)
Limited growth potential; short-term
Level 3 (Developing)
Good potential; can grow with us
Level 5 (Excellent)
High potential; future leader
Your score
0 out of 80 (0 of 16 criteria scored). The lowest possible total is 16.
Compare candidates for the same role using the same scorecard, and look at category scores as well as the total. Decide before interviews which criteria are must-haves, so a high total cannot hide a 1 on something essential.
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