Knockout Questions How One Answer Can Tank Your Job Application

Knockout Questions How One Answer Can Tank Your Job ApplicationKnockout Questions How One Answer Can Tank Your Job ApplicationWhen applying for jobs online, most of us focus on crafting a perfect resume and writing a cover letter that will make an impression. However, there is another gatekeeper standing between you and a job interview that is less forgiving than either of those knockout questions.What are knockout questions?Knockout questions are typically asked early in the job application process to eliminate applicants who are unable or unwilling to perform key job functions, lack required qualifications, or exhibit other red flags. They are designed to keep hiring managers from welchesting their time vetting and interviewing applicants that are unlikely to be among their top candidates.Known sometimes as screening questions or pre-interview questions, knockout questions come in many formats onlineShort answerYes or noScale of 1 to 5Select all that applyIf youre not getting respo nses to your applications despite submitting a keyword-optimized resume, one possible explanation is that youre not making it past the knockout questions.Auto-rejectionThe term knockout is not an exaggeration. While a short answer question may be reviewed by an actual person, anything with preset answers could result in an automated rejection.Applicant tracking systems (ATS) allow hiring managers to send any applications with a failed response straight to the trash.Read more What is an applicant tracking system?For example, the ATS JazzHR states on their websiteCandidates who answer incorrectly to your knockout questions will be flagged as having been auto-rejected and be automatically dispositioned based on your selection. They will not show up in your new candidates and will go straight into a Not Hired disposition.Here is what the settings look like for hiring managersThe auto-reject setting in Jazz HRs ATS. (JazzHR.com)Types of knockout questionsKnockout questions can address co ncerns ranging from simple logistics to culture fit.Basic functions, logistics, and legalIn the JazzHR example above, the knockout question is Can you work weekends? Working weekends is critical to the job, so the hiring manager has no interest in interviewing anyone who cant.As a job applicant, if you really like the company and the job but cant work weekends, there isnt a good way to get around this. Answering no will sink your application. Answering yes in bad faith will come back to bite you when the truth is uncovered.If you cant do the job described, youre probably better off pulling the plug and putting your time and effort into a different application.Other knockout questions in this categoryAre you willing to travel/relocate/work overtime?What are your salary requirements?Are you legally able to work in the United States?Are you willing to submit to a drug test?QualificationsSome applicants believe they can get around being under-qualified if they can just get to the interv iew and explain themselves. To combat this, hiring managers use knockout questions to enforce required qualifications listed on the job description.For example, if the job description demands a minimum 3 years experience as a graphic designer, you might try some resume formatting trickery to make your 2.5 years of experience seem more like 3. Its harder for applicants to blur the lines with an unambiguous yes-or-no knockout question Do you have at least 3 years experience as a graphic designer?No.Other qualifications-based knockout questionsDo you have X degree?Do you have X license?Do you have X certification?Do you have work experience with X?What is your skill level with X on a scale of 1-5?Culture Fit and CharacterMost knockout questions are simple andjudge your eligibility and qualifications. Rather than wait for a phone or in-person interview, somehiring managers will use the application to filter out applicants based on culture fit, personality traits, or character.These type s of questions includeDo you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?Can you concentrate in a loud environment?Describe your preferred work style.How well do you adapt to change?What are you passionate about?Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict with a co-worker.How to answer knockout questionsBe honestYou might get a little further by lying on knockout questions, but unless youre committed to life as a con artist, the truth will eventually come out and put your efforts to waste. The best approach is to answer honestly or not at all. If the only way forward is to answer dishonestly on a knockout question, consider cutting your losses and moving on to a different job application.If youre determined to apply anyway, answer truthfully then find the hiring manager and explain why they should hire you despite your apparent disqualification. It might be the only way theyre aware of your application if it was auto-rejected.Do your researchTheres more wiggle room with subjective cu lture fit and character questions. If youre not sure what the right answer is, research the company to get a better idea of company culture and what the hiring manager might be looking for. Re-read the job description carefully. Use Glassdoor employee reviews to get an inside look at the company. Scope out the background of employees in your prospective department on LinkedIn. You should still answer honestly, but doing some investigative work can help tailor your response for the specific company.Be real with yourselfIf youre frequently getting knocked out due to your qualifications, it might be time for a reality check. Instead of looking for a job that is a step up from your most recent position, consider making a lateral move or taking a slight step back into a role with more opportunity for growth. Add free certifications to strengthen your resume. Develop your skills and bolster your portfolio with volunteer work, freelancing, and side hustles.They say job hunting is a full-ti me job in and of itself.Dont let that time and effort go to waste by ignoring key qualifications or blowing off knockout questions that seem redundant or less important than your resume.