> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hellorecruiter.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Candidate Application Flow & AI Interview Invitations

> How candidates discover jobs, submit applications, receive AI interview invitations, and complete the screening process automatically.

When a candidate applies for a job with an active AI interview, the invitation process is handled automatically.

## How It Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Candidate Finds Your Job">
    The candidate discovers your open role on your public careers page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Candidate Clicks Apply">
    They click **Apply Now** and are taken to the application form.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Candidate Fills Out the Form">
    They submit their personal information and resume.
  </Step>

  <Frame caption="The candidate application form">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/hellorecruiter/BfVhryz1rRNfustK/images/screenshots/candidate-application-form.webp?fit=max&auto=format&n=BfVhryz1rRNfustK&q=85&s=a57a34d798606f2997856e4f5e3ea71e" alt="Candidate Application Form" style={{ borderRadius:"8px" }} width="894" height="768" data-path="images/screenshots/candidate-application-form.webp" />
  </Frame>

  <Step title="Interview Invitation Sent">
    Hello Recruiter automatically sends an invitation email with a unique interview link.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Candidate Completes the Interview">
    The candidate clicks the link and enters the AI interview at their convenience.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scorecard Generated">
    The interview completes and a scorecard is generated for your review.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Manual Invitations

You can also manually invite candidates to interview:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Candidate Profile">
    Navigate to the candidate's profile from the Candidates section.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send Invitation">
    Click **Send Interview Invitation**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Candidate Receives Email">
    The candidate receives an email with their unique interview link.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Invitation Settings

Configure how invitations work at the job level:

* **Auto-invite on apply** — Automatically send interview invitations when a candidate applies.
* **Expiration window** — Set how long candidates have to complete their interview (e.g., 7 days).
* **Reminder emails** — Enable automatic reminders for candidates who haven't started.

<Tip>
  **Keep expiration windows reasonable.** 5–7 days is ideal. Too short may exclude busy candidates; too long creates pipeline drag.
</Tip>

## Related Guides

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card icon="users" href="/companies/candidates/viewing-candidates" title="Viewing Candidates" />

  <Card icon="video" href="/companies/candidates/interview-hub" title="Interview Hub" />

  <Card icon="plus" href="/companies/jobs/creating-a-job" title="Creating a Job" />
</CardGroup>
