> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jamiewen00.gitbook.io/tech-lead-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jamiewen00.gitbook.io/tech-lead-handbook/hiring/shortlisting.md).

# Shortlisting

## The What

Identify the candidates from the applicant pool you want to progress. Aka. CV screening. The Talent Acquisition (TA) team or Agency might help you with this.

## The How

### :heart: Must have

* Hard skills — programming, microservices, data modelling, front end, backend, architecture, system design, problem-solving, strategic thinking
* Working experiences: working years? projects? teams? programming languages? company types, corporate or product & tech, operational or creative, maintenance or development, consultant or own a product?
* Project experiences: languages, platforms, tech stack, frameworks, etc

### :yellow\_heart: Good to have <a href="#id-5060" id="id-5060"></a>

It depends, some candidates care about their personal branding, and they might put more effort into open-source communities, personal blogs, etc. It is a good sign for good candidates but not required.

* Curious about tech, follow up newsletters, attend meetups or conference
* Side projects — crafting code
* Creations: blogs, videos
* Certificates: AWS, GCP, etc
* Short courses or free YouTube videos

## :red\_circle: Red Flags &#x20;

* Many silly typos
* Simple formatting issue
* CV looks like an essay
* Full of soft skills — lack of hard skills

## :white\_check\_mark: Exceptions <a href="#id-7119" id="id-7119"></a>

Some candidates may not tick all the boxes you would like to tick, however, you may still be willing to consider them

* High potentials: junior to what you are looking for, but willing to learn and learn fast.
* High motivations
* Does homework and well prepared

## :scroll: Tips <a href="#id-9c71" id="id-9c71"></a>

* Make it part of your daily routine, 30 min a day and make it part of your life
* Balance high potential and aligned tech stack
* Leverage Agency or TA team

## 🕳 Pitfalls <a href="#id-3b95" id="id-3b95"></a>

* <mark style="background-color:green;">High experience ≠ high performance</mark>
* <mark style="background-color:green;">1-year experience repeats 10 times ≠ 10 years experience</mark>