How can teams compare candidates without scores or rankings?

Use the same evidence task, the same review dimensions, source-backed observations, and structured reviewer discussion. Compare what the work shows, not a generated number.

Use shared criteria, not numeric shortcuts

A shared task lets reviewers discuss how candidates handled the same source material and constraints. The point is to compare evidence from the work, not compress people into a number.

Make each observation inspectable

Each review-brief observation should link back to candidate work or provided source material. Reviewers should be able to ask, "What source supports this?" before relying on any summary.

Discuss gaps openly

Some dimensions will have thin evidence. The brief should surface those gaps and suggest follow-up questions so reviewers can collect more context during human review.