How to Create an Application Funnel?
A guide on how to create and manage an application funnel in the AcceleratorApp.
Setting up the Application Funnel
Creating an application funnel is simpler if you first create the various assets, specifically the forms, emails, and taxonomy, that will be part of the funnel.
An application funnel is not linked to a program, therefore the same application funnel can be used to receive applications because Startups and Users are assigned to programs once their application is reviewed and accepted.
Application funnels can also be used to recruit members to the community or for hiring teams.
Things to consider when setting up an application funnel:
- Forms - what information do you need as part of the application process, and how will applications be reviewed?
- Email design template - the look and feel of the emails to align with the branding;
- Email content - what information is important for the applicant to know during the application process;
- Will there be meetings, in-person or virtual as part of the application process?
Funnel Settings
There are two (2) types of application funnels you can create - one for Startups (i.e. organizations and projects) and the other for Users (i.e. members of the community not associated with a startup or project.
- Name of the funnel candidates will apply to - is the funnel's name and will appear to the applicant as "You are applying for [Name]" when creating their account.
- Re-apply option - is where you can allow candidates to reapply, either always, after a while (specify the period), or after a specific date (specify the date). Here you will also confirm if you’ll allow applicants to have more than one outstanding application at a time.
- Deadline date (optional) - is the date and time (noting the applicable timezone) to automatically close the application funnel. Once closed, no new applications will be received, and those that are still in draft status will be archived. The deadline date can be changed.
Application Funnel Steps
Starting an Application
Applicants must create an account to apply. After submitting their name, and email address and creating a password, the applicant will receive an account activation email to validate their account.
After validating the account, applicants will be directed to the application form.
The Application Form
Select an application form. You can add more than one form if there are multiple sections to the form. The form remains in draft mode until it is completed and submitted by the applicant. Until then, you may add a reminder email to be sent to those with incomplete applications.
After submitting their application, the applicant will receive an acknowledgment email and the Funnel administrator will receive a notification for each submitted application.
Rounds
Click on Add Round to create a selection round in your process.
Each round can be adapted to add steps to review the application and make an accept or reject decision. When you accept an application in a selection round, the applicant moves to the following selection round, where they will be reviewed based on the actions selected for the round. If you reject the candidate, the application is denied and the applicant will be notified and they will not continue to the following selection round(s).
At the beginning of each round, it’s advisable to add an instruction email to manage the expectations of applicants accepted to the next round.
In each round, you can add the following actions:
- add an application form - this will include an instruction email. You can add reminder emails to be sent to those with incomplete applications.
- Add a meeting to interview the applicant - once a meeting is booked, participants will receive a meeting confirmation email.
- Add an evaluation form - this will create a task linked to the application form for the evaluators. You can pre-assign evaluators in the funnel or assign them as part of the application review process.
Last Round/ Final decision
The decision to accept or reject an application is not part of the funnel. Instead, you will open an application and confirm the decision on the application form.
When you accept an application in the last round, you will select the program(s) the applicant is accepted into and the applicable tag(s).
When rejecting an application in the last round, you will select the rejection email and specify when the email will be sent.
Save and Publish the Funnel
Make sure you save and publish the application funnel. Once published, the application funnel can be edited. Any changes to the funnel will not take effect on submitted applications.
