Interview scorecard template with a 1 to 5 scale
A scorecard turns "I liked them" into something you can compare. Here's a simple method that works for any small business, plus a printable PDF.
Download the printable scorecard (PDF)
How the scorecard works
- Pick 6 to 10 questions that match the job.
- Under each question, write what a weak (1), solid (3) and strong (5) answer sounds like.
- During the interview, write down what the person actually did.
- Score each answer, then average the scores.
Example
Reliability and follow-through
Tell me about a time you committed to something at work and it became hard to follow through. What did you do?
Follow-up: What was the result, and what would you do the same next time?
1 WeakLet it slide without telling anyone.
3 SolidFollowed through, but only after reminders or with a late heads-up.
5 StrongFlagged the risk early, adjusted the plan, and delivered or arranged cover.
Customer service
Tell me about a time a customer was upset with you or your business. What did you do?
Follow-up: How did the conversation end?
1 WeakArgued, passed them off, or avoided the customer.
3 SolidStayed polite and followed the rules, but the customer left unhappy.
5 StrongListened, owned what they could, fixed it or offered a real option, and stayed calm.
Tips for fair scoring
- Score right after each answer, while it's fresh.
- Score what they did, not how confident or polished they sounded.
- Use the full scale. If everyone gets a 4, the scores don't help you choose.
- Keep the scorecards. They're your record of why you hired who you did.
Questions
Why use a 1 to 5 scale?
It's simple enough to use during an interview, and wide enough to separate a weak answer from a strong one. Describe what 1, 3 and 5 look like so every interviewer scores the same way.
Should I add up scores or average them?
Average them. That way a guide with 8 questions and one with 10 give comparable results.
What if two interviewers disagree?
Talk through the notes behind the scores. Disagreement usually means one person heard something the other missed.
Score on your phone, compare in one table
Staffkin shows the scoring guide under every question, averages scores automatically, and lines candidates up side by side.
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