Candidate Experience - Go Beyond the CV

The problem with traditional application forms

Too little, too late

Don't capture the need to know

CVs are incomplete—they don't capture all relevant experience and aren't testable. Cover letters reveal intent but lack focus. With AI, embellishment is easier.

Every screening step loses talent

AI screening, video interviews, assessments—each step pushes humans apart. While you evaluate, top candidates accept other offers.

Silence loses excited candidates

Candidates apply excited about the opportunity. Then silence. Weeks pass with no response, no feedback. Momentum dies and they lose interest.

Can't separate signal from noise

Volume is high, quality is mixed. You're left manually sifting through poor applications to find the few strong candidates worth your time.

The First solution

Capture everything you need to know—in one application

Go beyond the CV with AI-guided questions

Step 1

Candidate applies and auto-fill begins

CV uploads and parses instantly, auto-filling eligible fields while candidates complete the form. Average drop-off: just 5-10% (vs 30-40% with manual forms).

We even chase incomplete applications

Step 2

AI asks what you need to know

AI verifies requirements upfront (right to work, visa, salary). Adaptive questions based on their CV capture depth of experience. Scenarios and open-ended questions reveal behaviors—not generic template answers.

Screen in the application, save time, increase signal

Step 3

AI scores and ranks instantly

Non-starters marked red. Strong candidates fast-track same day. All candidates scored and ranked using your criteria.

Processes 1,000+ applications in minutes, not days

Step 4

Instant feedback and next steps

Strong candidates invited to the next step within minutes. Rejected candidates notified same day with your custom message.

No one gets lost in the pipeline

Candidate Satisfaction

4.6/5

6,000+ reviews

Go beyond the CV

Capture more signal than a CV alone

No cover letters

Get real answers with AI-guided questions

Check requirements first

Don't waste time on unqualified candidates

Assess at scale

Handle 100x more candidates with consistent screening

One continuous experience

No extra links, no drop-off

Sensitive data protected

Control who sees salary, visa status, etc.

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Start screening better today

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a job live?▼

Just 15 minutes. Create your role, set your criteria, and start screening. Our team can help you through the first one if needed.

Can I customise the AI-guided questions?▼

Yes, you can fully customise the questions to match your specific role requirements and company culture. You can adjust the criteria and assessment criteria to fit your hiring needs.

What if we need more assessments?▼

Our plans scale with you. Add more assessments anytime without long-term contracts or commitments. Upgrade or downgrade your plan whenever you need. View pricing.

How does the AI ensure fairness in assessments?▼

Fairness comes from systematic criteria. You define what you need (clear, measurable, defensible). The AI applies the same criteria identically to every candidate—same evidence always triggers the same score. No unconscious bias from individual judgement. Learn more.

Is the candidate experience mobile-friendly?▼

Yes. The application form is fully optimised for mobile. Candidates can apply directly from their phone with fast load times and easy navigation. CVs auto-fill on mobile just as they do on desktop.

Does First integrate with our existing ATS?▼

First integrates seamlessly with most major ATS platforms. Candidates apply through First, data syncs to your system automatically, and assessment results flow directly to your hiring pipeline.

What happens to candidate data after rejection?▼

You decide. Candidates can opt-in to be contacted about future roles. Their data is securely stored and you maintain full control. You can delete candidate data anytime to comply with privacy regulations.

How do candidates receive feedback if they don't move forward?▼

Rejected candidates get personalised feedback via email with your custom message. You decide what to tell them—explain why they weren't selected and offer suggestions for improvement. This builds your employer brand even in rejection.

What types of questions can I ask candidates?▼

You can use multiple question types: yes/no questions for requirements, multiple choice for screening, open-ended questions for depth, file uploads for portfolios, and video responses for personality/fit. Mix and match to get complete signal.

How do you prevent candidates from gaming the system?▼

The combination of CV and open-ended questions in the application form goes a long way. CVs show track record, open-ended questions reveal depth and authenticity. Honestly though? We haven't solved this completely (yet). But we've narrowed the problem significantly. We reduce 1,000 applications down to a manageable 5-10 candidates who genuinely meet your criteria. Now your team can actually have conversations, ask follow-up questions, and catch the BS in real time. Much harder to lie in an interview.

Can I apply the same application to multiple roles?▼

Yes. Candidates can apply to multiple roles at once. Each application is assessed against that role's specific criteria independently. You can also create a single application form that feeds multiple roles if you prefer.