Scoring Methods: Simple vs. Weighted.

Introduction: The Final Step of the Evaluation

Once the interview has concluded and the evaluation guide is complete with all objective scores, the next step is to assign a numerical score to the candidate's performance.

This process is essential in order to be able to fairly compare different candidates who have been evaluated under the same criteria.

There are two main methods for calculating this final score: the simple method and the weighted method.

The Scoring Key

Both methods rely on a predefined "Scoring Key".

This key is a numerical scale (e.g., 1 to 5) where each number has a clear meaning. For example:

1: Superficial mention of experience, unconvincing.

2: Relevant experience, but with little depth after probing.

3: Sufficient experience to be hired; meets minimum standard.

4: Great experience; convincing response that meets all that is required.

5: Exceptional experience; an answer so good that it exceeds the interviewer's expectations.

It is critical that this key be applied consistently for all candidates competing for the same position.

Method 1: Simple Scoring (Direct Average)

Simple scoring is the most direct and easiest method to calculate.

It consists of assigning a score (e.g. from 1 to 5) to each of the competencies assessed, based on the evidence gathered in the guide.

To obtain the final score, simply add up the scores for all competencies and divide by the total number of competencies assessed. Example:

Competency 1 (Leadership): 3 points

Competency 2 (Communication): 4 points

Competency 3 (Experience): 5 points

Calculation: (3 + 4 + 5) = 12 / 3 competencies = Final score: 4.0 out of 5.

Method 2: Weighted Score (By Relative Importance)

Weighted scoring is a more advanced method used when not all competencies are of equal importance to the position.

For example, for a Software Developer position, the technical competency ("Ability to code in C#") is probably much more important than the "Communication" competency.

In this method, a "weight" or percentage is assigned to each competency, making sure that the total of the weights adds up to 100% (or 1.0). Example of Weighting:

Competency 1 (C# Coding): 60% (Weight: 0.6).

Competency 2 (Teamwork): 30% (Weight: 0.3)

Competency 3 (Communication): 10% (Weight: 0.1)

Calculation of the Weighted Score

The calculation is done in two steps. First, the score for each competency is multiplied by its weight to obtain the "Adjusted Score".

Then, all the adjusted scores are added together to obtain the total. Calculation Example (using Method 1 scores):

Competency 1: Score (3) x Weight (0.6) = Adjusted Score 1.8.

Competency 2: Score (4) x Weight (0.3) = Adjusted Score 1.2

Competency 3: Score (5) x Weight (0.1) = Adjusted Score 0.5

Final Calculation: 1.8 + 1.2 + 0.5 = Final Score: 3.5 out of 5.

As the example shows, the final weighted score (3.5) is lower than the simple score (4.0).

This is because the candidate scored low (3) on the most important compete