How to Screen CVs Automatically Without Reading Every One
Tim Formulix ·
Automatic CV screening means you stop opening hundreds of PDFs one by one. Candidates upload their CV to a form, the form reads it, and each candidate gets a match score based on criteria you set. In Formulix, this is what the CV Upload question does.
This guide covers when automatic screening makes sense, how to set it up, and what a person should still check.
The problem with manual screening
A single admin or analyst role can attract dozens or hundreds of applications. When they all arrive by email, HR runs into the same issues:
- Every CV looks different. PDFs, Word files, phone photos, Google Drive links.
- Key details are scattered. Years of experience, education and skills sit in different places on every CV.
- Time goes to clearly unsuitable candidates, while strong candidates wait and get hired elsewhere.
Automatic screening doesn't replace interviews. It gets your shortlist in order faster, so HR spends time on the most relevant people.
How the CV Upload question works
- The candidate uploads a CV as PDF, DOCX, JPG or PNG (up to 2 MB).
- AI reads the CV and fills in details such as name, work history, education and skills.
- The candidate reviews what was read and can correct it before submitting, so the data you receive is confirmed by the candidate.
- Formulix calculates a match percentage from your criteria. The score uses fixed rules rather than an AI guess, so every candidate is scored the same way.
Sensitive details such as religion, ethnicity or marital status are not extracted, so the assessment stays focused on ability.
Setting fair criteria
In the CV Upload question settings you can define:
| Criterion | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Required skills | SQL, Excel | Carry the most weight |
| Nice-to-have skills | Python, Power BI | Add points, not required |
| Minimum experience | 2 years | Calculated from the job dates on the CV |
| Minimum education | Bachelor's degree | |
| Locations | Jakarta, Remote |
The default weights are 50% skills, 25% experience, 15% education and 10% location. Adjust them per role. For junior roles, for example, lower the weight on experience.
Tip: keep the required skills list short. Three skills that truly matter are fairer than ten that would be nice to have.
How to set it up in Formulix
- On your dashboard, click New form, then Use a template, and search for "recruitment". Choose Recruitment with CV Upload.
- Replace the sample logo, colours and job text with your company's.
- Open the Upload your CV question and set your criteria.
- Add questions a CV doesn't answer, such as expected salary or start date.
- Publish the form and share the link in your job post, on LinkedIn or in chat groups.
Results appear on the responses page with each candidate's match score. If Google Drive is connected, the CV files are also copied to a Drive folder for that form.
What a person should still check
- Candidates with unusual career paths. A low score doesn't always mean a poor fit. Skim the middle of the list too.
- Answers outside the CV. A portfolio or project story often says more than a skills list.
- Criteria that are too strict. If nearly everyone scores low, the criteria may need adjusting.
Frequently asked questions
Is CV Upload on the free plan?
No. CV Upload is part of the Pro HR and Startup plans. A regular application form with a file upload is free. See the pricing page for details.
Do candidates need an account?
No. They open the link, upload their CV, check the details and submit.
What about scanned CVs?
Scans and photos can be read too. Candidates still review the result before submitting.
Get started
Automatic screening pays off as soon as applications start piling up. Set up the form once, then reuse it for the next role with different criteria.