Shortlisting candidates: template and guidance

Download our shortlisting template to help you identify which candidates to invite for interview. Find out how to make sure your process is fair and that you shortlist the right people.

Last reviewed on 7 June 2022
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Contents
  1. Download and adapt our shortlisting grid
  2. Use fair criteria and rely only on evidence outlined in the application
  3. Use the same panel to shortlist and conduct interviews
  4. Anonymise application forms 
  5. Collect criminal record self-declarations after you've shortlisted candidates
  6. Consider carrying out an online search on shortlisted candidates
  7. Shred and recycle the paper you've used

Download and adapt our shortlisting grid

Use the template to help you decide which candidates to shortlist for interview.

KeyDoc: shortlisting candidates template DOC, 206.0 KB

How to use it

  • Add all the essential criteria from the relevant person specification
  • Go through each application checking off whether (or the extent to which) the candidate has met the essential criteria for the role, and use that as the basis for shortlisting

Use fair criteria and rely only on evidence outlined in the application

Make your system clear and straightforward. Shortlist your candidates based only on:

  • Criteria taken from the person specification
  • Skills and experience outlined in the application that are relevant to the job in question

By doing this, if you're challenged you’ll be able to show:

You don't have to investigate a challenge to a

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