Candidate Screening Checklist
A candidate screening checklist covering resume review, must-have criteria, and phone-screen questions so you shortlist consistently and fairly before interviews.
Download the files
Sign in with Google and both the PDF and the CSV unlock immediately. We email you the links too.
Get your free download
Sign in with Google to unlock the PDF and CSV instantly. No form to fill in.
Free. By continuing you agree to our terms and privacy policy. We record your email and this download; marketing emails only if you tick the box.
What you get
- A resume-review checklist tied to your must-have criteria
- Structured phone-screen question prompts
- A simple advance / hold / reject decision step
- A bias-aware screening note to keep evaluations fair
Template preview
The structure, not the finished file. The PDF and CSV carry the complete version.
Candidate details
- Candidate name
- Role applied for
- Source— job board / referral / inbound
- Screened by
Resume review (must-haves)
- Meets minimum experience for the role
- Has core required skills or tools
- Evidence of relevant outcomes / achievements
- Location and work-authorisation fit
Phone-screen questions
- Walk me through what attracted you to this role
- Tell me about a recent project relevant to this position
- What are you looking for in your next move?
- What is your availability / notice period?
Screen notes
- Standout strengths
- Gaps or concerns
- Salary expectation
- Earliest start / notice period
Screening decision
| Decision | Select one | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Advance to interview | ||
| Hold / maybe | ||
| Reject |
The preview stops here; the template continues in the download.
How to use this template
- Set criteria first. List the role's must-have screening criteria before reviewing any applications.
- Screen against the same checklist. Apply the identical checklist to every applicant so comparisons are fair.
- Run a consistent phone screen. Ask the same core questions to each candidate who passes resume review.
- Decide and record. Mark advance, hold, or reject with a one-line reason for each candidate.
Frequently asked questions
What is candidate screening?
Screening is the step between application and interview where you filter candidates against your must-have criteria, usually via resume review and a short phone screen, to build a fair, qualified shortlist.
What questions should I ask in a phone screen?
Keep it consistent: motivation for the role, a relevant recent project, what they want next, availability, and compensation expectations. Asking everyone the same questions makes comparison fair.
How do I reduce bias when screening resumes?
Score against job-relevant criteria only and apply the same checklist to every applicant. Where possible, anonymise name, photo, and school to focus on skills and outcomes.