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How can I automate closing a job after receiving a specific number of candidates?

How to use automations to auto-close a job after receiving a specific number of applications

Emilia Carvell avatar
Written by Emilia Carvell
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Automating the job closing process means inactive roles are closed on time and your team saves time (and money on job boards!). This article shows you how to create an automation that closes jobs automatically once certain conditions are met.


Creating a new automation

To set up a new automation in Pinpoint, you will need to access the 'Manage Automations' section.

Please note - users will need to be assigned the "Create & Manage Automations" permission to access automation templates.


Follow these steps to create and configure the automation:

  1. Navigate to Manage Automations
    In your platform, go to "Manage Automations" under Automations in the left-hand navigation bar and click "+ New Template" on the top right-hand side of your screen.

  2. Select the base automation activity
    Since this automation is going to check the number of applications on a job, the trigger will be application creation. Click on 'Automation' and then on 'Application is created'

  3. Rename the automation
    Once the draft is created, give the automation a clear, descriptive name. This helps you and your team easily identify what it does and manage it later, especially if you’re using multiple automations.

  4. Configure condition
    Click on "add condition" to add the condition of the number of candidates you want reached in a role before it closes. In my example, I'll be using 200 applicants. Be sure to name your condition and select the condition target.


    The target for this condition will be 'Jobs' as you're checking the job application count.



    Make sure you've selected an operator and added a number count for your desired automation. I've set mine to "equals 200". Once done, click 'Save'.

  5. Configure the action
    Complete the "action" condition by clicking on "add condition" and set the action to "update job status" to "closed". Be sure to name your action.


    You can set a delay for the action or set it immediately. I'll be doing so immediately to expedite my process. Lastly, click 'Save'.

Once your automation is configured and published, it will automatically close jobs when they meet the criteria you’ve set. Check your automation regularly to ensure it’s running correctly and update the conditions if your hiring process changes.

Looking for automation inspiration? Read our article with 27 automation ideas to help you get started.

FAQs and Troubleshooting

What should I do if the automation isn’t working?

If your automation isn't functioning as expected, check the configuration settings to ensure all conditions and actions are correctly set, and the automation is activated. Review the selected questions and triggers for any discrepancies.

Is there a way to create an automation that triggers when a certain number of candidates reach a stage in the hiring workflow?

Not yet. Currently, automations can trigger based on the total number of candidates in a job, but not on the number who have reached a particular stage within that job.

Note: Some triggers, conditions, and actions are only available on the Advanced Automations plan.

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