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

> Quick view of how candidates get invited and what they do at each stage so you can set expectations and answer their questions.

# What Candidates Experience

## How Candidates Get Invited

Invitations can reach candidates in different ways:

* **ATS**: They apply in your ATS and you add them to the interview (or sync sends them the link).
* **Job board**: They apply on a job board connected to HeyMilo and receive an invitation.
* **Text message (SMS)**: They get an SMS with the link and can reply by text. If SMS invitations are on, **email is still sent as well** so they get both.
* **Email**: They receive an email with the interview link. Email is always sent when you invite candidates, even when SMS is enabled.

After they get the link, they land on your branded page and go through the interview flow.

## The Flow by Type

Order matches how many interview experiences are built: Resume → Form → SMS → Voice/Video → AI Scenario Assessment.

| Type                       | What they do                                                                                                                                     |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Resume**                 | Upload a resume (or you ingest from ATS/job board); no live step. Instant screening.                                                             |
| **Form**                   | Open the link and fill out a questionnaire; no AI follow-ups. Short (e.g. 2–5 min).                                                              |
| **SMS**                    | Reply by text at their pace; no app. Quick back-and-forth.                                                                                       |
| **Voice/Video**            | Phone call or browser — AI asks questions and follow-ups; \~10–20 min.                                                                           |
| **AI Scenario Assessment** | Browser chat — candidate works through a task with an AI to produce a deliverable; \~20–30 min. Scored on how well they prompt and guide the AI. |

**Branded page**: They see your logo, role details, and welcome message before starting.\
**Confirmation**: When they finish, they see a thank-you; you get the score report in your dashboard.

## If You Use Dealbreakers

If you’ve set **dealbreakers** (required qualifications, enforce criteria) on any stage, candidates who don’t meet them are **auto-disqualified** at that stage and don’t advance to the next. They may see a message that they didn’t meet the requirements, or simply not move forward. Make sure must-have questions (e.g. work authorization, minimum experience) are clear in your invite so candidates know what’s required.

## Customize Their Experience

* **Branding**: Logo, colors, welcome message. [Interview Branding](../../outreach/outreach/interview-branding)
* **Knowledge Base**: FAQs the AI can answer in voice/video. [Knowledge Base](../../tools/ai-settings/knowledge-base)
* **Language**: [Languages & Voices](../../tools/ai-settings/languages-and-voices)

**Tip:** Take your own interview link before going live. You’ll spot issues and set better expectations.

## Next Steps

* [What Candidates See](../../candidate-experience/candidate-experience/what-candidates-see) — Full flow and customization
* [Talking to Candidates About AI](../../candidate-experience/candidate-experience/talking-to-candidates-about-ai) — Scripts and email templates
* [Inviting Candidates & Driving Completion](../../inviting-candidates/inviting-candidates) — Templates and completion tips