Separate mention from use
“Python, AWS, RAG” tells you what to investigate. “Built a retrieval service used by 85 customers” gives you an actual piece of work to discuss. Neither proves competence on its own. The second gives the first call somewhere concrete to go.
Use three evidence states
For each essential requirement, mark evidence present, needs clarification, or not stated. Avoid treating missing detail as a confirmed absence of ability. This distinction helps you ask the right question before making a consequential decision.
Keep the passage beside the judgment
Write the exact CV passage beside your interpretation. Another recruiter should be able to disagree with the interpretation without hunting for its source. That is far more useful than an unexplained match percentage.
Make one decision easier
End the first pass with a proposed action: call, clarify a specific point, or hold for this brief. Keep the human decision visible. Your shortlist is a conversation plan, not an automated rejection rule.
TAKE THIS BACK TO YOUR DESK
Try this on your next role
Choose one must-have. For each candidate, write the strongest supporting passage and one question that could change your view.