How to Get More Candidates by Moving Screening Questions to Questionnaires

Long application forms reduce completion rates. Move complex screening questions to questionnaires to increase candidates while still gathering the information you need.

The Problem

Every additional question on your application form decreases conversion:

• 5 questions: High completion rate
• 10 questions: Moderate completion
• 15+ questions: Many candidates abandon

The Solution

Two-step approach:

1. Short application form (5 questions max)
2. Questionnaire sent after they apply

How to implement

Step 1: Simplify your application form

Keep only essential fields:

• First name
• Last name
• Email
• Phone (optional)
• Resume upload

Remove screening questions from the application form.

Step 2: Create a questionnaire

Create all forms in Settings / Forms. The same form becomes a "Questionnaire" when you send it via email link (vs an "Application Form" when used on a job's Application tab).

1. Go to Settings / Forms
2. Click Add form
3. Add your screening questions:

• Work authorization
• Years of experience
• Salary expectations
• Availability
• Skills assessment

4. Save the form (it becomes a questionnaire when sent via email)

Step 3: Set up automation

1. Open your job's Workflow tab
2. Click bolt icon on Applied stage
3. Add Nurture Campaign automation
4. Create a campaign that sends the questionnaire:

• Step 1: Email with questionnaire link (immediate or short delay)
• Step 2: Follow-up if not completed (3 days later)
• Step 3: Final reminder (7 days later)

Step 4: Handle responses

Add Act If Form Filled automation:

• Condition: Key question is not empty
• Action: Move to next stage (e.g., "Screening Complete")

Example email template

Subject: Next step in your application for {{job_title}}

Hi {{candidate_first_name}},

Thank you for applying to the {{job_title}} position at {{company_name}}.

To continue with your application, please complete this short questionnaire:
{{questionnaire_link}}

It takes about 5 minutes and helps us understand your background better.

Best regards,
{{sender_first_name}}

Benefits

Advanced: AI scoring on questionnaire responses

After candidates complete the questionnaire:

1. Add AI Score automation on the next stage
2. AI analyzes questionnaire responses
3. Scores candidates based on your criteria
4. High scorers advance automatically

Updated on: 28/12/2025