Knockout Questions in ATS: What They Are and How to Answer Them

Knockout questions are a critical part of ATS applications. Answer them incorrectly, and your application may never reach a human recruiter.

What Are Knockout Questions?

Knockout questions are preliminary screening questions used by Applicant Tracking Systems to quickly eliminate unqualified candidates…

Examples of Common Knockout Questions

• Do you have the minimum years of required experience?
• Are you legally authorized to work in this country?
• Do you hold the required certification or degree?
• Are you willing to relocate or travel as required?

Why Recruiters Use Knockout Questions

Recruiters rely on knockout questions to save time by filtering out applicants who clearly don’t meet baseline requirements…

How to Prepare for Knockout Questions

Strategies include reading job descriptions carefully, ensuring your answers align with posted requirements, and being truthful while highlighting flexibility where possible.

Best Practices for Answering Knockout Questions

• Review job postings for common screening questions in your industry.
• Be precise and truthful—dishonest answers can lead to disqualification later.
• Where possible, provide context that reinforces your qualifications.

FAQs About Knockout Questions

Can I skip knockout questions?

No, leaving them blank usually results in automatic rejection.

What if I don’t meet one requirement?

Some companies allow flexibility, but many do not. Be honest and apply only when you meet most requirements.