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All CollectionsProduct Guide for Searchlight Users
How to Interpret Searchlight Scores
How to Interpret Searchlight Scores
Andrew Olsen avatar
Written by Andrew Olsen
Updated over a year ago

Searchlight scores give you and your team an idea of how a candidate stacks about against all of the feedback on the platform. The scores you will find in Searchlight are as follows...

Here is a quick guide to help you dive deeper into a candidate's score...


Neutral (Below 60th percentile): This candidate falls into the bottom 60th percentile of all reference feedback. A followup call with a reference may be necessary.To find exceptions:

  • Read qualitative feedback to understand the growth opportunities references have flagged and ask, “Are these growth areas that the team can support?”

    • No? Do not move forward with this candidate.

    • Yes? Continue to work through the checklist below.

  • Analyze reference feedback to see if:

    • There are correlations between interview flags and reference feedback.

    • 1 or more behaviors have average scores that fall below 70.

    • 2 or more references stated that they would not be ecstatic to work with this person.

    • If you answered yes to one of the criteria above, please complete a follow-up call with references.

    • If you answered yes to two or more of the criteria above, make a recommendation to not move forward with this candidate. If a manager would still like to move forward, please complete a follow-up call.

  • If a manager would like to proceed despite a score below 60, recruiters should complete follow-up calls with references to understand the rationale behind the references’ responses before moving forward.


Good (60 - 75th Percentile): Good, but there are some cautionary signals. Read reference feedback carefully:

  • Read qualitative feedback to understand the growth opportunities references have flagged and ask, “Are these growth areas that the team can support?”

    • No? Do not move forward with this candidate.

    • Yes? Continue to work through the checklist below.

  • Analyze reference feedback to see if:

    • There are correlations between interview flags and reference feedback.

    • 1 or more behaviors have average scores that fall below 75.

    • 2 or more references stated that they would not be ecstatic to work with this person.

    • If you answered yes to one of the criteria above, please complete a follow-up call with references.

    • If you answered yes to two or more of the criteria above, make a recommendation to not move forward with this candidate. If a manager would still like to move forward, please complete follow up calls to understand the rationale behind the references’ responses before moving forward.


Great (75th-84th Percentile): Great, references speak highly of the candidate.


Excellent (85th-94th Percentile): Excellent, references speak highly of the candidate.


Stellar (95th - 100th Percentile) : References are exceptional but to be taken with a grain of salt. Pay extra attention to qualitative feedback as that may provide helpful feedback on areas of growth.

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