shortlisting

Shortlisting is the process of narrowing a larger pool of applicants, proposals, or candidates to a smaller group that meet predefined criteria and are suitable for further consideration. It is commonly used in recruitment, admissions, grant or prize applications, and procurement. The goal is to identify a manageable number of top candidates who warrant more rigorous evaluation, such as interviews, tests, or formal proposals.

Process typically involves: establishing criteria and weightings; collecting submissions; screening to remove those who do not meet minimum requirements; scoring or ranking based on qualifications, experience, skills, and fit; and compiling a shortlist. The size of the shortlist depends on context and resources; examples range from a handful in a tight search to several dozen in large programs. Shortlisting should be done with structured, documented methods to ensure fairness and compliance, including anti-discrimination considerations, privacy, and auditability. Shortlists may be revised as new information becomes available or as further evaluation takes place.

Outcomes: a shortlist enables focused assessment, reduces evaluation burden, and communicates progress to stakeholders. Those not shortlisted are usually informed and may sometimes receive feedback, depending on policy. In some contexts, the shortlist itself is publicized, while in others it remains internal. Shortlisting is distinct from selection, which is the final decision, and from initial screening, which may be breadth-first. Best practices emphasize transparency, objective criteria, consistent application, and record-keeping.