> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.meritmatch.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Staffing: match candidates to pursuit roles > Use MERIT to build a company candidate pool and compare candidates against pursuit staffing needs. Building a competitive bid means having the right people lined up before you commit to pursue. MERIT helps you build a company candidate pool, organize resumes, and compare candidates against the roles an opportunity requires. Candidate records live in the **Staffing Directory**. Opportunity-specific roles and matching use the active project or pursuit selected in the app when staffing workflows are available. ## Staffing workflow Staffing generally works in three parts: build the candidate pool, define the roles the pursuit needs, and review role-to-candidate fit. ### Build your candidate pool Open **Staffing Directory** to manage your company-wide pool of candidate resumes. Click **Upload Resumes** to add PDF or Word resumes. MERIT parses each resume into a structured candidate profile when possible. Candidate profiles can include details such as: * Name and contact information * Skills and experience * Clearance details, if present * Location and summary information, if present * Assignment history Use search and filters to narrow the pool by candidate name, email, skill, experience, clearance status, or assignment status. Click **View Details** from the Staffing Directory to inspect a candidate profile more closely. ### Define pursuit roles For a specific pursuit, define the roles your team needs to staff. You can add roles manually, and when supported by the workflow, use an uploaded SOW or requirements document to help create role records. When adding a role, include enough detail for MERIT to compare candidates: * Role title * Description * Seniority level * Role category * Location or work setting * Clearance requirement * Required and preferred qualifications Role cards show whether the role is unstaffed, partially staffed, or fully staffed. Use that status to see where your staffing plan still needs attention. ### Review candidate fit In the matching view, select a role to compare it against available candidates. MERIT helps surface relevant candidates and highlights the evidence behind each recommendation. For each candidate you'll see: * Fit indicators * Relevant skills and experience * Matched qualifications * Missing requirements or gaps * Candidate rank within the result set When you find the right fit, click **Assign to Role**. That candidate is assigned to the role, the role's staffing status updates automatically, and the candidate is marked as assigned in your pool. ## How to interpret matches Fit indicators help you prioritize review. Treat them as a guide to where the available candidate information appears aligned with the role, not as a final staffing decision. A strong fit indicator does not replace human review. Always confirm candidate availability, customer requirements, resume accuracy, labor category fit, and any clearance or credential requirements before naming a person in a bid. Upload resumes early in the capture process, not right before the RFP drops. Gaps found early give you time to identify a subcontractor, negotiate with a teaming partner, or recruit before the deadline becomes a crisis. ## Related pages Find teaming partners to fill roles your candidate pool can't cover. Identify gaps before committing to a bid.