How to Use Knockout Questions to Auto-Disqualify Candidates

Automatically screen out candidates who don't meet minimum requirements using knockout questions.

What are knockout questions

Knockout questions are yes/no screening questions that automatically disqualify candidates based on their answers. This saves time by filtering unqualified candidates before manual review.

How knockout automation works

1. Candidate applies and answers screening questions
2. System checks answers against your rules
3. If answer matches disqualification criteria, candidate is automatically rejected
4. Rejection email sent (if enabled)

Setting up knockout questions

Step 1: Create yes/no profile fields

1. Go to Settings / Profile Fields
2. Create fields for your requirements:

• "Has work authorization" (Yes/No)
• "Willing to relocate" (Yes/No)
• "Has required certification" (Yes/No)

Step 2: Add to application form

1. Open a job
2. Go to Application tab
3. Add your yes/no fields to the form
4. Mark them as required

Step 3: Create disqualify if automation

1. Go to job's Workflow tab
2. Click bolt icon on the first stage (usually "Applied")
3. Add Disqualify If automation
4. Select the profile field
5. Set the disqualifying answer (e.g., "Has work authorization = No")
6. Save

Example knockout rules

Work authorization

• Field: "Are you authorized to work in [country]?"
• Disqualify if: No

Availability

• Field: "Can you start within 2 weeks?"
• Disqualify if: No

Minimum requirements

• Field: "Do you have 3+ years of experience in sales?"
• Disqualify if: No

Salary expectations

• Field: "Is salary range $50K-70K acceptable?"
• Disqualify if: No

Location

• Field: "Are you located in or willing to relocate to [city]?"
• Disqualify if: No

Rejection emails

When candidates are auto-disqualified:

1. System marks them as disqualified
2. If rejection emails are enabled in Settings, candidate receives notification
3. Default delay is 3 hours (editable)
4. Use the rejection email template in Settings / Notifications

Tips

• Keep knockout questions to true deal-breakers only
• Be clear and specific in question wording
• Test the automation with a sample application
• Review disqualified candidates periodically to verify accuracy
• Consider using questionnaires for more nuanced screening

Knockout questions vs questionnaire conditions

Knockout Questions (via Disqualify If):

• Applied to application form answers
• Simple yes/no fields
• Triggers immediately on application

Questionnaire Conditions (via Act If Form Filled):

• Applied to questionnaire responses
• More complex logic (contains, greater than, etc.)
• Triggers when questionnaire is completed

Updated on: 28/12/2025