Match Score

Glossary of HR Terms Match Score

What is a Match Score?

A Match Score is a quantifiable metric derived from the Plum assessment that reflects how well an individual’s innate soft skills and behavioral strengths align with the requirements of a specific role. It combines insights from the candidate’s Plum Profile with the role’s unique behavioral benchmarks, created using Plum Role Model™ or Match Criteria Survey, to produce a role-specific fit score.

Why it matters

Hiring based solely on resumes or interviews can overlook what truly drives success. Match Scores provide an objective, data-driven way to identify top-fit candidates early in the process. They reduce bias, improve quality of hire, and give hiring teams the confidence to move quickly without compromising fit. For employees, Match Scores can also support internal mobility and development by surfacing roles that align with their strengths and motivations.

Where it fits in the HR stack

Match Scores live within the talent acquisition and talent management layers of the HR stack. During hiring, they integrate into Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help screen, rank, and shortlist candidates. Internally, they connect to employee development and mobility platforms, supporting succession planning and growth strategies.

Common use cases/Examples

  • Screening external candidates based on behavioral and experience match.
  • Prioritizing applicants who align with role demands beyond the resume.
  • Recommending internal roles for current employees based on their Plum Profile.
  • Supporting hiring decisions with two-layer evaluations: behavioral and experience fit.
  • Identifying leadership potential by aligning individual drivers to critical leadership traits.

Examples of companies that use it

  • High-volume hiring organizations using Plum in platforms like Paylocity, SAP SuccessFactors, or Greenhouse to filter in high-potential candidates.
  • Companies seeking to reduce mis-hires by using behavioral Match Scores to pre-qualify applicants.
  • Organizations with internal mobility programs using Match Scores to identify future-fit roles for current talent.

FAQ

Match Scores are calculated by comparing an individual’s Plum Profile with the role’s behavioral blueprint, using either the Plum Role Model™ or a customized Match Criteria Survey completed by SMEs.

Behavioral Match Scores assess alignment with soft skills needed for the role, while experience Match Scores reflect traditional qualifications and background. Together, they give a holistic view of candidate fit.

Yes. Match Scores support internal mobility by helping identify roles that align with an employee’s unique strengths and long-term potential.

No tool can completely eliminate bias, but Plum’s Match Score has been audited for fairness under New York City’s Local Law 144 and shows no adverse impact by race, gender, or age, helping reduce bias in decision-making.

Yes. You can tailor Match Criteria using SME input or use Plum Role Model™ to instantly generate science-backed benchmarks, ensuring relevance to each specific role.