Pre-screening questions are usually short and factual: whether a candidate can work the advertised hours, their notice period, salary expectations, location or commute, and whether they hold a required licence or qualification. They may sit in the application form, or be sent by text, chat or a short call soon after someone applies. Unlike knockout questions, not every answer is pass or fail; some simply inform the recruiter.
Asked early, these questions save a great deal of time for recruiters and candidates, as practical mismatches surface before anyone books an interview. Keeping the set short protects completion rates, especially on mobile. Each question should be clearly job-related, and anything touching protected characteristics, such as age or health, should be avoided unless there is a specific lawful reason.