Understanding Question Types: Knockout vs General Questions

Last updated: July 28, 2025

Feature Overview

Popp campaigns support two distinct question types: Knockout Questions and General Questions. Knockout questions require specific yes/no responses and automatically screen out candidates who give incorrect answers, preventing them from continuing the conversation. General questions allow open-ended responses and can incorporate preferred answer scoring without eliminating candidates. You can arrange these question types in any order and combine them strategically to create effective screening workflows.

Available Actions

This feature enables you to perform the following actions:

  1. Create knockout questions - Design yes/no questions that screen candidates automatically

  2. Configure general questions - Set up open-ended questions for detailed candidate responses

  3. Set knockout logic - Define correct answers that allow candidates to progress

  4. Arrange question order - Organie questions in optimal sequence using up/down arrows

  5. Combine question types - Mix knockout and general questions in single campaigns

  6. Configure unsuccessful messages - Set custom messages for screened-out candidates

  • Step-by-Step Instructions

    Understanding Knockout Questions

    Knockout Question Characteristics

    1. Response Format: Candidates must answer with either "yes" or "no"

    2. Screening Function: Incorrect answers immediately end the conversation

    3. Progressive Screening: Multiple knockout questions screen candidates sequentially

    4. Immediate Termination: Wrong answers trigger instant unsuccessful messages

  • Creating Knockout Questions

    1. Question Design: Frame questions to elicit clear yes/no responses

    2. Correct Answer Configuration: Specify whether "yes" or "no" is the qualifying answer

    3. Strategic Use: Reserve for must-have qualifications or legal requirements

    4. Clear Wording: Ensure questions cannot be misinterpreted

  • Knockout Question Examples

    Example 1: Sponsorship Requirement

    • Question: "Do you require sponsorship to work in this country?"

    • Correct Answer: "No" (candidate should NOT require sponsorship)

    • Logic: Candidates answering "Yes" are screened out

    • Purpose: Legal/visa requirement screening

  • Example 2: Essential Experience

    • Question: "Do you have experience with customer relationship management software?"

    • Correct Answer: "Yes" (candidate SHOULD have CRM experience)

    • Logic: Candidates answering "No" are screened out

    • Purpose: Essential skill verification

  • Knockout Question Behavior

    1. Sequential Processing: Questions asked in order until candidate fails or completes all

    2. Immediate Screening: Wrong answer stops conversation immediately

    3. No Recovery: Candidates cannot retry or explain their answers

    4. Unsuccessful Message: Screened candidates receive configured rejection message

  • Understanding General Questions

    General Question Characteristics

    1. Open-Ended Responses: Candidates can provide detailed, narrative answers

    2. No Screening Logic: All responses allow candidates to continue

    3. Preferred Answer Scoring: Optional scoring system for objective evaluation

    4. Conversation Continuation: Candidates proceed regardless of response quality

  • Creating General Questions

    1. Question Formulation: Design questions that encourage detailed responses

    2. No Knockout Logic: Questions don't eliminate candidates

    3. Scoring Integration: Optionally include preferred answer criteria

    4. Information Gathering: Focus on collecting insights about candidate capabilities

  • General Question Applications

    • Experience Exploration: "Describe your approach to project management"

    • Skill Assessment: "How do you handle difficult customer situations?"

    • Cultural Fit: "What motivates you in your work environment?"

    • Problem-Solving: "Walk me through how you would approach this scenario"

  • Question Ordering and Flow Design

    Flexible Question Arrangement

    1. Drag and Drop: Use up/down arrows to reorder questions

    2. Strategic Sequencing: Arrange questions for optimal candidate experience

    3. Mixed Types: Alternate between knockout and general questions as needed

    4. Flow Optimisation: Design logical progression through screening criteria

  • Common Question Flow Strategies

    Traditional Approach:

    1. All knockout questions first (immediate screening)

    2. All general questions second (detailed information gathering)

    3. Efficient screening with comprehensive follow-up

  • Integrated Approach:

    1. Initial knockout question

    2. General question for context

    3. Additional knockout question

    4. More general questions

    5. Balanced screening and information gathering

  • Custom Strategies:

    • Topic-Based Grouping: Group related knockout and general questions together

    • Progressive Screening: Gradually increase screening intensity

    • Experience-Based Flow: Screen for experience, then explore depth

  • Campaign Configuration Options

    Knockout-Only Campaigns

    1. Pure Screening: Campaign contains only knockout questions

    2. Rapid Filtering: Quickly identify qualifying candidates

    3. Minimal Time Investment: Short candidate interaction

    4. Clear Pass/Fail: Binary qualification outcomes

  • General-Only Campaigns

    1. Information Gathering: Campaign focuses on collecting detailed responses

    2. No Automatic Screening: All candidates complete the full conversation

    3. Scoring-Based Evaluation: Use preferred answers for assessment

    4. Comprehensive Assessment: Detailed candidate profiling

  • Mixed Campaigns

    1. Balanced Approach: Combine screening efficiency with information depth

    2. Flexible Design: Adapt to specific role requirements

    3. Optimal Candidate Experience: Respectful screening with meaningful engagement

    4. Strategic Screening: Screen for essentials while gathering valuable insights

  • Best Practices for Question Design

    Knockout Question Guidelines

    • Essential Criteria Only: Reserve for truly non-negotiable requirements

    • Clear Language: Avoid ambiguous wording that could confuse candidates

    • Legal Compliance: Ensure questions comply with employment law

    • Respectful Tone: Frame questions professionally and respectfully

  • General Question Guidelines

    • Open-Ended Design: Encourage detailed, thoughtful responses

    • Relevant Content: Focus on job-relevant scenarios and skills

    • Preferred Answer Integration: Include scoring criteria for objective evaluation

    • Engagement Focus: Design questions that engage candidates positively

  • Flow Design Principles

    • Logical Progression: Arrange questions in natural, logical order

    • Candidate Experience: Consider the candidate's journey through your questions

    • Screening Efficiency: Balance thoroughness with respect for candidate time

    • Information Value: Ensure each question contributes meaningful insights

  • Support and Assistance

    Question Development Help

    1. Content Assistance: Support team can help with question wording and structure

    2. Flow Optimisation: Guidance on optimal question ordering for your needs

    3. Best Practices: Advice on effective screening and engagement strategies

    4. Legal Compliance: Assistance with employment law compliance in question design

  • Contact Information

    • Email: support@joinpop.com

    • Support Services: Question development, campaign optimisation, best practices guidance

    • Response Time: Prompt assistance with campaign design questions

  • Troubleshooting Common Issues

    Knockout Question Problems

    • Too Many Eliminations: Consider if knockout criteria are too restrictive

    • Unclear Questions: Review question wording for clarity and precision

    • Legal Concerns: Verify compliance with employment regulations

    • Poor Candidate Experience: Balance screening needs with respectful treatment

  • General Question Issues

    • Poor Response Quality: Questions may need better context or clearer expectations

    • Irrelevant Answers: Ensure questions clearly communicate what you're seeking

    • Scoring Problems: Review preferred answer criteria for effectiveness

    • Low Engagement: Consider question phrasing and relevance to role

  • Quick Reference

    Question Types:

    • Knockout: Yes/No answers, automatic screening, immediate termination for wrong answers

    • General: Open-ended answers, no screening logic, optional preferred answer scoring

  • Configuration Options:

    • Question Order: Use up/down arrows to arrange sequence

    • Mixed Campaigns: Combine both question types as needed

    • Flow Strategies: Traditional (knockouts first) or integrated (mixed throughout)

  • Best Practices:

    • Use knockout questions sparingly for essential criteria only

    • Design general questions to encourage detailed, relevant responses

    • Consider candidate experience when ordering questions

    • Seek support for question development and optimisation

  • Support Available: Email support@joinpop.com for assistance with question design, campaign optimisation, and best practices guidance.