--- title: How does Veremark score sentiment on reference checks? description: How the automated sentiment scoring on reference checks works, and how to use it. --- [Skip to content](https://help.veremark.com/how-does-veremark-score-sentiment-on-reference-checks#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![V-logo\_new.png\]](https://help.veremark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/V-logo_new.png?height=40&name=V-logo_new.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - Go to veremark.com Go to veremark.com Support from Veremark - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Help Center](https://help.veremark.com/?hsLang=en) 2. [Client Support](https://help.veremark.com/client-support?hsLang=en) 3. [Adjudication & Deciding Results](https://help.veremark.com/client-support?hsLang=en#adjudication-deciding-results) September 3, 2026 # How does Veremark score sentiment on reference checks? ## How the automated sentiment scoring on reference checks works, and how to use it. Veremark uses **Amazon Comprehend**, a Natural Language Processing (NLP) service, to analyse the sentiment of referee responses during reference checks. This helps identify the overall tone and provides additional insights alongside the referee's feedback. This guide explains how this automated scoring works, what the categories mean, and how you should use these insights when reviewing reports. #### **How does the sentiment scoring on reference checks work?** **![reference-sentiment-1-how-scoring-works](https://help.veremark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/reference-sentiment-1-how-scoring-works.png?width=670&height=240&name=reference-sentiment-1-how-scoring-works.png)** Referee responses are analysed automatically using AWS natural language processing (NLP). The system looks at the wording and context of each response and classifies the sentiment as positive, neutral, negative, or mixed. The pie charts and scores you see in the report come from that automated analysis. #### **What do the sentiment categories mean?** **![reference-sentiment-3-four-categories](https://help.veremark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/reference-sentiment-3-four-categories.png?width=670&height=263&name=reference-sentiment-3-four-categories.png)** Each free-text response is sorted into one of four categories. - Positive means the wording is favourable overall. - Neutral means it reads as balanced or factual, without a clear lean either way. - Negative means the wording is unfavourable overall. - Mixed means the response contains both favourable and unfavourable elements. #### **How are rating questions scored?** **![reference-sentiment-2-rating-scale](https://help.veremark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/reference-sentiment-2-rating-scale.png?width=670&height=223&name=reference-sentiment-2-rating-scale.png)** Where a referee gives a numerical rating, the score is grouped on this scale: - 8 to 10 — Positive - 4 to 7 — Neutral - 1 to 3 — Negative ### **Frequently Asked Questions** #### **Where do the pie charts and scores in the report come from?** They are generated directly from the automated analysis described above. Nothing in the sentiment section is entered or adjusted manually. #### **Can you tell me which words triggered a particular sentiment result?** No. Because the analysis runs securely through AWS, we cannot see the exact algorithm variables or precise words that led to a specific classification. If a score looks unexpected, we recommend reading the referee's complete, unedited response side-by-side with the score to understand the full context #### **What should I do if a score doesn’t seem to match the response?** Read the referee’s full response and go by your own judgement. The score is a quick guide, and where your reading of the response differs from it, your reading takes precedence. #### **Should I rely on the sentiment score to make my decision?** No. The reference chart is designed as a helpful tool to speed up your review process. The final assessment and hiring adjudication always rest with you and your internal HR policies If you need further assistance or have any questions, please contact our Client Support team. 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