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How it works

See skills before CVs.Hire with confidence.

FirstLook flips the traditional hiring process. Evaluate what candidates can do, not just what they claim on paper. Create your first assessment in 5-10 minutes.

The work before the CV
01Write one questionBased on the job you're hiring for.
02Share your linkCandidates answer before uploading a CV.
03Read the answersYou choose whose CV to reveal.
Human decisions, always.
1

Create an assessment

Design a question that tests the skills the role needs. Written or code challenges. Takes just 5-10 minutes.

2

Share your link

Candidates answer your question before uploading their CV. FirstLook records how each answer was written.

3

Review work first

See responses grouped by effort level. Reveal CVs only for candidates who impress you.

Step 1

Write a question for your role

Forget generic screening questions. Create an assessment that directly tests the skills you need.

  • Choose your format

    Written responses or code challenges.

  • Write your question

    Write one question that tests the skills the role needs. We'll help you write a good one.

  • Set time guidance

    Let candidates know how long they should spend. See the time spent alongside their answer.

Create Assessment
Assessment Type
Written Code
Your Question
Time Guidance
Illustrative example
Step 2

Share your link and let candidates prove themselves

Every role gets a unique link. Share it in your job ads, on LinkedIn or on your careers page.

  • Unique application URL

    Each role has its own application link to share with candidates.

  • See how answers were written

    See time spent, typing versus pasting, edits and tab switches. You weigh the signals alongside the answer.

  • CV upload after assessment

    Candidates show their work first, then upload their CV. You decide when to look at it.

Share Your Role
Your application link
app.firstlooknow.com/apply/acme/senior-designer
Copy link Preview as candidate

Effort signals

Time spent Edits Pastes Tab switches
Illustrative example
Step 3

See the work before the CV

Read answers blind, with effort scores and bands alongside them. You judge the work and choose who to interview.

  • Effort scores and bands

    An effort score from 1 to 100, alongside High, Moderate or Low bands, brings the signals together. They give you context, with no automatic rejection.

  • CV reveal on demand

    See the work first. Only reveal the CV for candidates whose responses impress you.

  • Filter and sort

    Filter by effort band, assessment type, or submission date. Find the answers you want to review.

Review Candidates
92

Candidate #1

Written assessment

14.3 min 47 edits
64

Candidate #2

Written assessment

8.2 min 12 edits
24

Candidate #3

Written assessment

1.4 min 2 pastes
Illustrative example
Assessment types

Test skills your way

Choose the format that best matches what you need to evaluate.

Written

Essays, proposals, critiques. Perfect for communication and analytical skills.

Code

Algorithms and implementation. For technical and engineering roles.

A few things to know

Common questions

What is skills-first hiring?

Skills-first hiring is an approach where candidates demonstrate their abilities through practical assessments before submitting their CV. This allows employers to evaluate real work samples and reduces bias from traditional CV screening.

Can FirstLook tell if an answer was written with AI?

We don't claim to detect AI-written answers. We show time spent, typing versus pasting, edits and tab switches so you can judge for yourself. If you're happy for candidates to use AI, switch on AI-allowed mode and ask them to explain how they used it. You judge the answer and decide who to interview.

Is FirstLook free to use?

Yes, FirstLook offers a free plan with 1 active role and 20 submissions. One-off roles are available from £49, or subscribe from £79/month for up to 5 roles with unlimited submissions.

Ready to see candidates differently?

Create your first assessment in minutes. No credit card required.

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