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Candidate Ranking and Auto‑Advance Settings in PyjamaHR: How to Screen, Filter, and Move Candidates Efficiently

Updated this week

Executive Summary

PyjamaHR offers robust tools for ranking and filtering candidates using AI-powered insights, screening questions, and custom filters. However, as of now, automatic advancement of candidates between stages based on rules or knockout criteria is not supported—all stage transitions require manual action. This article explains how to maximize candidate ranking, leverage available automation, and streamline your workflow, while clarifying current limitations and best practices.


Detailed Overview

What Are Candidate Ranking and Auto‑Advance Settings?

Candidate ranking in PyjamaHR refers to the process of evaluating applicants using a combination of:
- AI Recruiter job fitment scores
- Resume match summaries
- Communication scores
- Screening question responses
- Custom filters

Auto‑advance settings would allow candidates to be automatically moved to the next stage based on predefined rules (e.g., knockout questions, minimum scores). Currently, PyjamaHR does NOT support fully automated candidate advancement between stages. All transitions between pipeline stages (e.g., from "Screening" to "Interview") must be performed manually, even when using AI Recruiter or filters.

Why Use These Features?

  • Save time by quickly identifying top candidates using AI and filters.

  • Reduce bias by relying on objective scoring and structured screening.

  • Maintain control over final decisions and candidate progression.

  • Handle high volume efficiently, especially when receiving hundreds or thousands of applications.

Integration with Other PyjamaHR Features

  • AI Recruiter: Conducts automated interviews, generates scores and summaries, but does not move candidates automatically.

  • Screening Questions: Can be used for manual filtering, but "knockout" logic does not auto-reject or auto-advance candidates.

  • Filters: Allow you to segment candidates by scores, answers, and more, but must be applied manually each time.


Step-by-Step Guide: Ranking and Advancing Candidates

Prerequisites

  • Access to PyjamaHR with appropriate permissions.

  • (Optional) AI Recruiter add-on for advanced scoring and AI interviews.

1. Set Up Screening Questions and Criteria

  1. Create or edit a job posting.

  2. Add screening questions (multiple choice, single choice, text, etc.).
    - Tip: Mark questions intended as "knockout" for manual filtering later.

2. Use AI Recruiter (If Enabled)

  1. Assign AI Recruiter to your job.

  2. Configure screening criteria for the AI interview.

  3. Send AI interview links to selected candidates (manual selection required).

  4. Review AI Recruiter reports:
    - Job fitment score
    - Resume match summary
    - Communication score
    - "AI Picks" (top candidates highlighted)

3. Filter and Rank Candidates

  1. Go to the Candidates tab for your job.

  2. Apply filters:
    - By resume match score
    - By screening question answers
    - By AI interview scores
    - By assessment results

  3. Review filtered list—top candidates will be visible based on your criteria.

Screenshot suggestion: Show the Candidates tab with filters applied and the resulting candidate list.

  1. Manually select candidates to move to the next stage.
    - Use checkboxes or "Select All" to bulk move candidates.

4. Move Candidates to the Next Stage

  1. Select candidates from the filtered list.

  2. Click "Move to Next Stage" (button label may vary).

  3. Confirm the action—candidates are now in the next pipeline stage.

Screenshot suggestion: Show the "Move to Next Stage" button and confirmation dialog.

5. Repeat as Needed

  • Reapply filters daily as new candidates arrive.

  • Manually move candidates after each review.


Advanced Usage & Best Practices

Power User Tips

  • Bulk Actions: Use bulk select to move or reject multiple candidates at once.

  • Saved Filters: Currently not available, but highly requested. For now, document your filter criteria for quick reapplication.

  • AI Recruiter "AI Picks": Focus on these candidates for faster shortlisting.

  • Combine Filters: Use multiple filters (e.g., resume score + screening answers) for precise targeting.

Optimization Strategies

  • Standardize Screening Questions: Use consistent questions across jobs for easier filtering.

  • Set Clear Manual Criteria: Document your knockout rules for your team to follow during manual filtering.

  • Regularly Review Filters: As candidate volume grows, adjust your filters to maintain manageable lists.

Integration with Other Workflows

  • Assessments: Use assessment scores as additional filters.

  • Email Templates: After moving candidates, use bulk email to communicate next steps or rejections.

Do's and Don'ts

Do:
- Use AI and filters to save time.
- Manually review "AI Picks" for best results.
- Document your filtering process for team consistency.

Don't:
- Expect candidates to move automatically between stages—this is not currently supported.
- Assume knockout questions will auto-reject candidates; manual review is required.
- Forget to reapply filters daily as new candidates arrive.


Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Common Issues

  1. "Knockout" Questions Not Auto-Filtering
    - Issue: Candidates who should be disqualified still appear.
    - Solution: Manual filtering is required; auto-rejection is not available.

  2. Filters Not Showing All Screening Questions
    - Issue: Only some screening questions appear in filter options.
    - Solution: Report missing filters to support; known issue with single choice questions not always appearing.

  3. Filters Not Updating Candidate Count
    - Issue: Applying multiple filters does not update the candidate count.
    - Solution: Refresh the page or reapply filters; if persistent, contact support.

  4. Cannot Save Filter Configurations
    - Issue: Filters must be reapplied manually each session.
    - Solution: Document your filter settings for quick manual reapplication.

  5. AI Recruiter Not Sending Interviews Automatically
    - Issue: AI Recruiter does not auto-send interviews based on resume or answers.
    - Solution: Manually select candidates to receive AI interviews.

What If Scenarios

  • What if I want to reject all candidates below a certain score?

  • Apply the score filter, select all, and bulk reject.

  • What if my filters are missing or not working?

  • Contact support with screenshots and details.

  • What if I have thousands of candidates?

  • Use filters aggressively and process in batches.

When to Contact Support

  • Filters not displaying all questions or not working as expected.

  • Issues with AI Recruiter reports or interview links.

  • Feature requests for auto-advance or saved filters.


Comprehensive FAQ

1. Can PyjamaHR automatically move candidates between stages based on rules or scores?
No. All candidate movement between stages is manual, even with AI Recruiter or filters.

2. Do knockout questions automatically reject or disqualify candidates?
No. Knockout logic is for manual filtering only. You must apply filters and reject candidates yourself.

3. Can I save a set of filters to reuse daily?
Not currently. This is a highly requested feature and may be added in the future.

4. Does AI Recruiter send interviews only to qualified candidates?
No. You must manually select which candidates receive AI interviews.

5. Will AI Recruiter automatically move candidates to the next stage after scoring?
No. It provides scores and recommendations, but you must move candidates manually.

6. Why are some screening questions missing from my filter options?
Known issue, especially with single choice questions. Contact support with details.

7. Why does the candidate count not update when I apply filters?
This may be a bug. Try refreshing or reapplying filters. If unresolved, contact support.

8. Can I use OR logic in filters for multiple choice questions?
Currently, filters may apply AND logic. For OR logic needs, contact support or use manual review.

9. How do I handle high volumes of candidates efficiently?
Use filters and bulk actions. Document your process for consistency.

10. Will PyjamaHR branding be removed on paid plans?
Branding removal is not related to candidate ranking or auto-advance; check your plan details.

11. What should I do if emails to candidates are not showing in email history?
Contact support with candidate details for investigation.

12. How can I request auto-advance or saved filter features?
Submit feedback to support; these requests are tracked for future updates.


Related Features & Next Steps

  • AI Recruiter: For automated interviews and scoring (manual advancement required).

  • Assessments: Add as another layer for candidate evaluation.

  • Bulk Emailing: Communicate with filtered candidates efficiently.

  • Candidate Filters: Use for manual ranking and shortlisting.

Recommended Next Steps:
- Review and standardize your screening questions.
- Document your manual filtering and advancement process.
- Submit feedback to PyjamaHR if auto-advance or saved filters are critical for your workflow.


Summary Table: What’s Possible Today

Feature/Request

Supported?

How to Achieve It

Auto-advance candidates by rules/criteria

Manual filtering and movement required

Knockout questions auto-reject candidates

Manual filtering and rejection required

AI Recruiter auto-moves candidates

Manual review and movement required

Filter candidates by scores/answers

Use filters in Candidates tab

Save filter configurations

Document settings for manual reuse

Bulk move/reject candidates

Use checkboxes and bulk actions

AI Recruiter highlights top candidates

Review "AI Picks" and scores


Still have questions?
Contact PyjamaHR support with your specific scenario—we’re here to help you get the most out of your candidate ranking and screening process.

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