In the candidate report, skills are typically displayed with individual performance scores and a spider graph (also known as a radar chart), which provides a visual comparison of the candidate's abilities relative to an average group of candidates or set benchmark scores. The following explains how to interpret the candidate skill data and the spider graph.
Skills Breakdown
The skills section lists the skills tested, their corresponding scores, and the performance ranking. For example:
Logic Programming: 100% score (Top 1%)
SQL: 50% score (Top 1%)
Operating Systems: 94% score (Top 1%)
Data Structures: 88% score (Top 1%)
Algorithms: 94% score (Top 1%)
Each skill listed will indicate the score the candidate achieved, along with their ranking, such as Top 1%, giving you a quick overview of the candidate's proficiency in each area.
Interpreting the Spider Graph
The spider graph visually represents the candidate's skills in comparison to an average or benchmark. Here’s how it works:
Axes: Each axis of the graph represents one skill.
Blue Line (Candidate): The blue line shows the candidate's performance, with the distance from the center of the graph representing the score. Higher scores are shown farther from the center, and lower scores are closer to the center.
Green Line (Average): The green line represents the average performance of other candidates or the benchmark score, allowing you to see how the candidate compares to the overall group.
The graph allows you to quickly identify areas where the candidate excels (the outermost sections) and areas where improvement may be needed (closer to the center).
How the Spider Graph is Drawn
Axes: Each skill is represented by a line extending from the center of the graph (the origin). The number of axes corresponds to the number of skills being evaluated. For instance, in the example provided, five axes are used for five skills (Logic Programming, SQL, Operating Systems, Data Structures, Algorithms).
Scaling the Scores: The candidate's scores are plotted on each axis based on the percentage score they achieved. If the score is 100%, the point will be plotted at the farthest point on the axis. If the score is 50%, it will be plotted halfway along the axis. The plot for each skill creates a point on the respective axis.
Connecting the Dots: The points for each skill are connected to form the blue line, which represents the candidate's overall profile. This allows a clear view of their strengths and weaknesses.
Average Calculation:
The average line (green) is the representation of the average scores of the entire candidate pool or a defined benchmark group.
To calculate this average, each skill's score from all candidates is added together, and then the sum is divided by the number of candidates.
For example, if there are five candidates and their scores on a specific skill (e.g., Logic Programming) are 80%, 90%, 85%, 70%, and 95%, the average would be:
Average score = (80+90+85+70+95)/ 5 = 84%This process is done for each skill, and the average score for that skill is plotted on the graph to form the green line.
Visualizing the Comparison: The spider graph provides a direct comparison between the candidate and the average group. The larger the area the blue line covers compared to the green line, the better the candidate’s performance is relative to the average.
By using this graphical representation, you can quickly assess a candidate's skills across multiple areas and compare them to the average or expected benchmarks.