Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional ATS systems match keywords, which rewards resume optimization over actual qualifications. A candidate who stuffs their resume with buzzwords can rank higher than someone with real experience.

CandidateMatch uses contextual AI to understand what candidates actually did. We analyze the meaning behind their experience, not just whether they mentioned certain words. Every score we provide is backed by evidence pulled directly from the resume, so you can see exactly why a candidate scored the way they did.

Yes, CandidateMatch is completely free during our beta period. There are no hidden fees, no credit card required, and no limits on how many matches you can run.

We are actively gathering feedback from recruiters and hiring managers to improve the product before launching paid tiers. In exchange for using the tool for free, we ask that you share your honest feedback about what works and what could be better.

Each CandidateMatch report includes:

• Overall match score (1-10) with a rating label (Strong match, Good match, etc.)
• Category-by-category breakdowns covering areas like technical fit, leadership, delivery, and stakeholder management
• Evidence quotes pulled directly from the resume to support each score
• Gap analysis highlighting specific risks and areas where the candidate may fall short
• 10 custom interview questions tailored to probe the specific gaps identified for that candidate

Reports can be downloaded as Word documents for easy sharing with hiring managers.

Yes! CandidateMatch supports batch processing for high-volume roles. You can upload up to 10 resumes at once and receive individual reports for each candidate.

Batch results are displayed in a sortable, filterable table so you can quickly identify your top candidates. You can also download all reports together or print a combined summary.

CandidateMatch supports the most common document formats:

• Job descriptions: PDF, DOCX, or plain text (paste directly)
• Resumes: PDF or DOCX
• Cover letters: DOCX (optional)

For best results, we recommend using standard document formats. Heavily formatted or image-based resumes may have reduced accuracy.

Most individual matches complete in 30-60 seconds. Batch processing takes longer depending on the number of resumes, typically 1-2 minutes per candidate.

Compare this to manual screening, which averages 23 hours per role for 250 applicants. Even a small batch of 10 candidates that would take an hour to review manually can be processed in under 10 minutes.

Yes! CandidateMatch automatically infers category weights based on your job description, but you can override them to match your priorities.

After viewing results, use the weight dropdowns to adjust how much each category contributes to the overall score. Click "Save Recalculated Changes" to update the scores and generate a new report with your custom weights.

Yes, we take data security seriously. All data is transmitted over HTTPS and stored in secure Azure cloud infrastructure. Your job descriptions and candidate documents are only accessible to users in your organization.

Your data is NOT used to train AI models. We do not use your job descriptions, resumes, or any submitted content to train, fine-tune, or improve AI models. Third-party AI providers (OpenAI) operate under strict data processing agreements that prohibit training on customer data.

You can delete individual reports or request complete account deletion at any time. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Yes. Every score in CandidateMatch links to specific evidence from the resume. This transparency means you can explain exactly why a candidate scored the way they did.

Each report includes evidence quotes, rationale for each category score, and identified gaps. This documentation can support your compliance requirements and provide a clear record of your evaluation process.

Absolutely! CandidateMatch is valuable for job seekers who want to check their fit before applying.

Upload a job description you are considering and your resume to get an honest assessment of your strengths and gaps. Use the insights to tailor your application, address weaknesses in your cover letter, or decide whether to apply at all. It is much better to know upfront than to waste time on roles where you are not a fit.

CandidateMatch was built by Steven Rieger through The Rieger Group. With over 20 years of experience in technology leadership, Steven has been on both sides of the hiring table and experienced firsthand how broken traditional resume screening is.

CandidateMatch was born from frustration with keyword matching systems that miss great candidates and surface poor fits. The goal is simple: help recruiters make better hiring decisions, faster.