This article shows how you can improve the quality of your applications with the right questions in WhatsApp. The goal is to filter effectively while keeping the drop-off rate low.

Quality vs. Quantity

A very short questionnaire generates more applications, but often more unsuitable ones. A well-designed questionnaire filters more effectively – however, too many questions can cause drop-offs. Find the right balance to recruit efficiently.

Improving the Quality of Applicant Data

When pre-qualification in the WhatsApp interview isn't working, it's often down to the structure. Targeted questions in the right places improve filtering quality – without raising the barrier.

How many questions make sense?

Up to 13 questions work without any problem in WhatsApp, as applicants don't see everything at once. This lowers the barrier and makes the process easy – even enjoyable.

Which questions should I ask?

Define in advance which must-have criteria candidates should meet. Don't just ask for CV facts, but also practical, operational topics that show how well someone fits into day-to-day work.

These topics are particularly well suited for the interview

Education & Work Experience

• What qualifications do you have that make you particularly suitable?
• What training / degree have you completed?
• Are there any additional qualifications (e.g. specializations, further training)?
• Do you have your CV to hand and would you be willing to upload it? (Yes/No)
• Specify work experience: number of years, most recent position, responsibilities in last job.

Working Hours & Compensation

• Ask about working time model: full-time, part-time, mini-job.
• Ask about shift availability using a selection field rather than free text.
• Ask about salary expectations openly or provide a specific range to choose from.

Mobility & Willingness to Travel

• Do you hold a driver's licence and do you have access to a car? (Yes, both / Licence only / No)
• Clarify willingness to travel, e.g. for installation work or field service.
• Within what radius (km) would you be able to work?

Applicants aren't uploading a CV – what to do?

• Optional CV upload: Used by many applicants (documents are often available via cloud or as a photo). Add qualification-relevant questions to the interview to identify suitability even without a CV.
• Mandatory CV upload: The application can only be completed after the upload.

Better assessing suitability (e.g. language)

Automatic translations in the interview expand the pool of suitable candidates and offer a low-barrier first contact. However, depending on the role, you should still assess the language level.

Practical Measures

• Ask about language level (e.g. B1, B2, C1 or Beginner/Basic/Advanced/Native speaker).
• Allow an optional voice or video message for motivation.
• Disable automatic translation in the questionnaire if language proficiency is strictly required.
• Disable translation in the 1-to-1 chat and chat directly in English to assess language competency.

Checklist

[ ] I plan up to 13 questions and distribute them sensibly.

[ ] I use selection fields instead of free text for quick compatibility checks.

[ ] I ask about practical content (tasks, experience) rather than just CV facts.

[ ] I make a conscious decision between optional and mandatory CV upload.

[ ] I am aware of the drop-off rate trade-off with mandatory upload.

[ ] I capture working time model, salary expectations, and shifts via selection fields.

[ ] I check mobility (driver's licence, car, radius) and willingness to travel.

[ ] I have a strategy for language assessment (level, translation, audio/video).