How to Use Criteria-Level Scoring in Custom Questions

Criteria-Level Scoring lets you define specific evaluation criteria for custom questions and assign point values to each. AI auto-scoring then evaluates candidate responses against those criteria, delivering structured, transparent, and bias-reduced assessments.

Before you begin

Criteria-Level Scoring is available only when creating a custom question with AI auto-scoring enabled. Confirm you have the appropriate workspace permissions before proceeding.

How to set up Criteria-Level Scoring

1. Enable Criteria-Level Scoring: While creating a custom question, toggle on the Criteria-Level Scoring option.

   

2. Add evaluation criteria: Define the key aspects you want to assess — for example, clarity, accuracy, or problem-solving approach. Aim for 3–5 focused criteria per question for the most consistent AI scoring.

   

3. Define scoring descriptors: For each criterion, write a short description for each score level — 0 (no response or irrelevant), 1 (weak), 2 (partial), 3 (good), 4 (excellent). Clear descriptors keep AI scoring consistent across all candidates.

4. Assign point values: Set the maximum points available for each criterion. Higher point values signal greater importance and shift the overall score weighting accordingly.

Criteria definition examples

Focus each criterion on one distinct aspect of the candidate's response. Here are two examples:

Clarity and Communication

Assesses how clearly the response is structured and expressed.

• Score 0: Irrelevant or missing response
• Score 1: Poor structure, grammar issues, partially relevant
• Score 2: Some logical flow, partially addresses the question
• Score 3: Clear and structured, mostly error-free
• Score 4: Polished, professional, highly engaging

Analytical Thinking

Evaluates the candidate's ability to interpret information and identify key issues.

• Score 0: No analysis or irrelevant response
• Score 1: Misses key points, unclear conclusions
• Score 2: Identifies some issues but lacks depth
• Score 3: Covers most areas logically with balanced reasoning
• Score 4: Deep understanding, prioritized, evidence-based insights

Reviewing candidate results

After a candidate completes the assessment, the Candidate Report Page (CDP) displays each criterion's description alongside its individual score — making the evaluation transparent and easy to act on.

Benefits of Criteria-Level Scoring

• Detailed performance breakdown: See exactly where candidates excel or need improvement, beyond a single total score.
• Fairer assessments: Standardized scoring descriptors reduce evaluator bias.
• Actionable insights: Quickly identify candidate strengths and development areas for faster, more confident hiring decisions.

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