Candidate Evaluation Framework

Create a structured candidate evaluation framework for hiring
a [POSITION TITLE].

What I'm hiring for:
- Role: [POSITION]
- Key requirements: [LIST TOP 5]
- Team size: [CURRENT TEAM]
- Reporting to: [WHO]
- Start date needed: [DATE]

Design an evaluation framework:

1. Screening Criteria (resume/application review):
   - Must-have qualifications (auto-reject if missing)
   - Preferred qualifications (bonus points)
   - Red flags to watch for
   - Scoring rubric (1-5 scale for each criterion)

2. Interview Evaluation:
   - Score card template for each interview stage
   - Weighted criteria (what matters most?)
   - Rating scale with clear definitions
   - Notes section for each criterion

3. Skills Assessment:
   - Practical test or exercise appropriate for the role
   - Evaluation criteria for the assessment
   - Time limit and format

4. Reference Check:
   - Questions to ask references
   - What to listen for
   - Red flags in references

5. Final Decision Matrix:
   - Side-by-side comparison template
   - Weighted scoring for final candidates
   - Decision criteria and tiebreakers

6. Offer Decision:
   - How to determine compensation within range
   - Non-monetary factors to consider
   - Negotiation boundaries

Make this practical for a small business owner who may be
hiring for the first time.