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

# Workflows Overview

> Learn how workflows automate the candidate and job lifecycle in Alex

Workflows are the backbone of automation in Alex. They let you define exactly how Alex handles candidates and jobs -- from the moment someone applies or a job is imported, all the way through interview completion and final decisions.

Workflows are fully customizable, drag-and-drop, and programmable. You embed your business logic directly into the workflow so Alex follows a specific flow and you always know exactly what she's doing.

## Two Types of Workflows

Alex has two distinct types of workflows, each serving a different purpose.

### Application Workflows

Application workflows manage the candidate journey. They control:

* **Inviting candidates** to interviews
* **Progressing candidates** through interview rounds
* **Outreach and communication** -- emails, SMS, phone calls
* **Writing data back** to your ATS on the candidate profile or submission entity
* **Decision handling** -- what happens when a candidate is shortlisted or rejected

Every job in Alex has exactly one application workflow attached to it. A single application workflow can be shared across multiple jobs, or a job can have its own dedicated workflow. You can create as many application workflows as you need.

### Job Workflows

Job workflows control how jobs are imported into Alex from your ATS. They handle:

* **Detecting new jobs** in your ATS
* **Filtering** which jobs should be imported (e.g., only active or open jobs)
* **Configuring the job** in Alex -- setting up rounds, interview guides, default status, and more

Unlike application workflows, **only one job workflow can be active at a time**. This is because the job workflow is global for your entire ATS integration -- it's the single source of truth for how Alex imports and sets up new jobs.

## How Workflows Relate to Jobs

Here's how the two workflow types connect:

1. A new job appears in your ATS.
2. Your active **job workflow** detects it, filters it, and configures it in Alex (rounds, interview guides, status, etc.).
3. That job is assigned an **application workflow**, which then manages every candidate who applies to it.

Jobs created manually in Alex (not imported from the ATS) will also have an application workflow attached -- you can select which one during setup or change it later.

```mermaid theme={null}
flowchart LR
    A[New Job in ATS] --> B[Job Workflow]
    B --> C[Job imported into Alex\nand auto-configured]

    D[Candidates Apply] --> E[Application Workflow]
    E --> F[Candidate Invited\nto Interview]
```

## What's in a Workflow

A workflow is built from **blocks**. Each block is a sequence that starts with a single **trigger** followed by one or more **actions**.

* **Triggers** are events that kick off a block -- for example, a new application comes in, a candidate completes an interview, or a decision is updated.
* **Actions** are the steps Alex takes in response -- sending emails, updating ATS fields, inviting to a round, and more.

You build a workflow by creating multiple blocks, each handling a different event in the candidate or job lifecycle.

For a full breakdown of all available triggers, actions, and utilities, see [Triggers and Actions](/workflows/triggers-and-actions).

## The Workflow Builder

The workflow builder is a visual, drag-and-drop editor with three main tabs:

* **Editor** -- where you build and configure your workflow
* **History** -- a full audit log of every change made to the workflow, by whom and when
* **Settings** -- global settings that apply across all rounds (outreach hours, ATS linking, etc.)

In the Editor, the left sidebar gives you access to:

* **Nodes tab** -- all available triggers, actions, and utilities you can drag onto the canvas
* **Blocks tab** -- pre-made blocks based on best practices that you can drop in to quickly build a functioning workflow, plus any blocks you've saved yourself

## Pre-made Blocks

Alex provides pre-made blocks built from known best practices for candidate engagement. These are complete, ready-to-use blocks that you can drag and drop to instantly create a functioning workflow -- no need to build from scratch.

You can also **save your own blocks** for reuse across workflows. This is useful if you've built a sequence that works well and want to standardize it across your team.

## What's Next

* [Rounds and Interview Guides](/workflows/rounds-and-guides) -- understand how rounds and interview guides work
* [Application Workflows](/workflows/application-workflows) -- deep dive into building candidate workflows
* [Job Workflows](/workflows/job-workflows) -- learn how to automate job imports
* [Triggers and Actions](/workflows/triggers-and-actions) -- reference for all available triggers, actions, and utilities
* [Tracking and History](/workflows/tracking-and-history) -- monitor candidate progress and workflow changes