Understanding Bullhorn Scores

If you're using Amplify, Automation, and Bullhorn Search & Match (or a combination of these), you've probably noticed different "scores" popping up throughout the platform. Each score offers a different lens for evaluating candidates. Used together, they give you a complete picture of a candidate’s suitability, interest, and activity.

This guide breaks down what each score means and where you can learn more.

Quick Reference

Score	Purpose	Requires Amplify?	Where You'll See It
Relevancy Score	Candidate matching	Yes (or Search & Match)	Search & Match results, Match Candidates step
Classic Matching Score	Candidate matching	No	Match Candidates step (Automation Enterprise Edition)
Screening Score	Candidate screening evaluation	Yes	Screening reports, submission records
Engagement Score	Contact/candidate activity tracking	No	Candidate/contact records in ATS (Requires Bullhorn Automation)

Relevancy Score

What it does: Helps you find the best candidates by ranking them based on their likelihood of success in a role.

How it works: Powered by Bullhorn Matching Engine, this smart AI algorithm uses Bullhorn's S.E.A. (specific, enormous, actionable) dataset of real hiring outcomes to compare job and candidate data in meaningful ways and return high quality matches.

Available with: Bullhorn Search & Match or Automation Amplify Edition

Where to find it:

• In Automation: The relevancy score works its magic behind the scenes in the Match Candidates step. You can see which candidates have been matched by checking the Matched Candidates card on any job record in Automation.

• In Search & Match: You'll see the Relevancy column in results when running Autobuild searches, or when viewing the Recommended Candidates card on job records in Bullhorn ATS.

How to use it: Candidates with a higher Relevancy Score are more likely to be successfully placed in the role they’re matched with. Use the score to prioritize your recruiting efforts and focus on the strongest matches first.

Learn more about Bullhorn Matching Engine →

Classic Matching Score (AI Auto Match Score)

What it does: If you don’t have Amplify, this is the default matching algorithm that powers the Match Candidates step in Bullhorn Automation. It helps you find candidate matches using proven algorithmic matching based on job criteria.

How it works: This score looks at job title, location (if you've enabled it), category, skills, specialties, and industries to find candidates who closely match the job in question.

Available with: Bullhorn Automation Enterprise Edition (Amplify not required)

Where to find it: Like the Relevancy Score, this one works behind the scenes in the Match Candidates step. Check the Matched Candidates card on any job record in Automation to see your matches.

How to use it: Use the Classic Matching Score to identify candidates whose profiles most closely align with a job’s key criteria. Higher scores indicate stronger alignment, helping you prioritize which candidates to review or engage with first.

Learn more about Classic Matching →

Screening Score

What it does: Shows you how well a candidate fits a specific role based on their screening interview and profile information.

How it works: When a candidate completes an Amplify Screener interview, the system analyzes their responses along with their Bullhorn profile (including their resume) to generate a score from 0-100.

Want even more control? You can add custom scoring instructions to fine-tune exactly how the AI evaluates your candidates!

Available with: Automation Amplify Edition

Where to find it:

• In the screening report that's generated after a candidate finishes their screening.

• On the submission record in Bullhorn ATS, saved alongside other screening details.

• On the note added to the candidate record, if note creation is enabled.

How to use it: Focus on candidates with higher screening scores to identify the best fits for the specific job they screened for. Don’t overlook lower-scoring candidates, though—they’ve shown active interest in your jobs and may be great matches for future openings.

Learn more about Screening Scores →

Engagement Score (BHA Score)

What it does: Shows you at a glance who your most engaged contacts and candidates are based on how they've interacted with your messages and website.

How it works: Scores increase or decrease based on activities like:

• Opening emails

• Clicking links

• Viewing or applying to jobs

• A score over 75 generally means someone is actively engaged and interested. Lower scores indicate less interaction.

Available with: Any edition of Bullhorn Automation (Amplify not required)

Where to find it: Look for the "Bullhorn Automation Score" field on candidate or contact records. You can add this field to your record layouts or include it as a column in list views.

How to use it: Focus your outreach on people with higher Engagement Scores—they’re actively interacting with your brand and are more likely to respond to new opportunities. If someone’s score is lower, try re-engaging them with fresh content or personalized outreach.

Learn more about Engagement Scores →

Bringing it all Together

Candidates who score highly across Relevancy (or Classic Matching), Screening, and Engagement are your strongest prospects.

They not only align well with the job requirements (Relevancy or Classic Matching) but also perform well in the screening process (Screening Score) and actively engage with your brand (Engagement Score).

Focus your outreach and placement efforts on these high-scoring candidates to maximize hiring success.