Evaluating Resumes

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name: evaluating-resumes
description: Evaluates resumes using the MATCH format methodology and LinkedIn profile analysis. Use when screening candidates or assessing job fit.
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MATCH Evaluation Framework:
M - Motivation: Why do they want this role/company?
A - Ability: Do they have required skills/experience?  
T - Tenure: How long do they stay at jobs?
C - Culture: Will they fit the team/company culture?
H - Hire-ability: Overall recommendation and reasoning

Resume + LinkedIn Review Process:

Progress:

• Initial scan (30 seconds): Role relevance, experience level, red flags
• MATCH deep dive (5 minutes): Systematic evaluation
• LinkedIn cross-reference (2 minutes): Verify details, culture indicators
• Decision + notes (1 minute): Hire/pass with reasoning

Detailed Steps:

1. Quick Scan

   • Job titles progression
   • Employment gaps >6 months
   • Required skills present
   • Location/relocation needs

2. MATCH Analysis

   • M: Cover letter enthusiasm, career moves logic
   • A: Skills match (must-have vs nice-to-have), quantified achievements
   • T: Average tenure, reasons for leaving pattern
   • C: Company types, team size preferences, work style indicators
   • H: Overall score 1-5, specific next steps

3. LinkedIn Cross-Check

   • Verify employment dates/titles
   • Recommendations quality
   • Activity/posts for culture fit
   • Network connections in industry

Example 1: Input: Software Engineer resume, 5 years experience, seeking senior role

MATCH Score: 4/5
M: Strong - mentions specific interest in our tech stack
A: High - React/Node.js + relevant projects, 20% performance improvements shown
T: Good - 2-3 year tenures, logical progressions
C: Fit - contributes to open source, mentoring experience
H: ADVANCE - Schedule technical interview
Red flags: None
LinkedIn: Confirms details, active in tech communities

Example 2: Input: Marketing Manager, frequent job changes

MATCH Score: 2/5  
M: Unclear - generic cover letter
A: Partial - relevant experience but no metrics/results shown
T: Concerning - 6 jobs in 4 years, no clear pattern
C: Unknown - limited culture indicators
H: PASS - Tenure concerns outweigh experience
Red flags: Job hopping without growth trajectory
LinkedIn: Sparse profile, few recommendations

• Speed matters: Aim for 8-minute total evaluation per candidate
• Document red flags immediately: Gaps, inconsistencies, culture mismatches
• Use LinkedIn activity for culture fit: Posts, comments, groups show values
• Weight recent experience heaviest: Last 2-3 roles most predictive
• Look for growth trajectory: Increasing responsibility, not just job changes
• Check mutual connections: Internal referrals carry weight

• Don't just keyword match: Skills without context/results are weak signals
• Don't ignore soft red flags: "Seeking new challenges" every 12 months
• Don't skip LinkedIn: Resume dates often don't match LinkedIn
• Don't over-index on education: Experience trumps degrees for most roles
• Don't assume remote preferences: Verify location/travel expectations
• Don't rush the culture assessment: Bad culture fits are expensive mistakes