In this article, you'll learn how to configure Sequential Distribution — including how to order your recruiters, set capacity limits, and understand how candidate overflow works.
Watch the full walkthrough
What Is Sequential Distribution?
Sequential Distribution assigns candidates to recruiters in a defined order. You control the sequence by dragging and dropping recruiters into your preferred ranking. Each recruiter receives candidates until they hit their capacity limit — then the next recruiter in the sequence takes over.
The last recruiter in the sequence is always set to Unlimited and receives all remaining candidates once every other recruiter's cap has been reached.
How to Set Up Sequential Distribution
In Step 3 (Team Members) of the job setup, enable the Auto-Distribute Candidates toggle.
In the Candidate Distribution panel, select Sequential Distribution.
3. Drag and drop the recruiters into your preferred order using the handle icon (⠿) on the left of each row.
4. Set a capacity number for each recruiter except the last one. Click the capacity field next to their name and enter the number.
5. The last recruiter in the sequence is automatically set to Unlimited. This cannot be changed — they will receive all remaining candidates after others reach their cap.
6. Click Save.
⚠️ Important: All recruiters except the last must have a capacity number set. If a recruiter in a non-final position has no capacity set (showing 0), candidates will not be assigned to them.
How Sequential Distribution Works
Candidate 1 through [capacity limit] go to Recruiter 1.
Once Recruiter 1 reaches their cap, the next candidate goes to Recruiter 2.
This continues down the sequence until the last recruiter, who receives all remaining candidates with no limit.
📌 Note: If you remove a recruiter from the job after distribution has run, a notification will appear asking you to reassign their candidates before the removal is confirmed. In Sequential mode, you'll also be prompted to update the sequence order — since removing a recruiter from the middle of the sequence affects who receives overflow next.
💡 Tip: Sequential Distribution is best when you have a tiered team — for example, a senior recruiter who should review the first batch of candidates before a junior recruiter takes over. Use the drag-and-drop to place your most senior or highest-capacity recruiter first.
Switching Distribution Modes
You can switch between Random and Sequential at any time. If candidates have already been assigned using the current mode, you'll see a confirmation dialog.
Click Switch Mode to confirm. Your current assignments remain unchanged until you apply the new distribution.
Click Discard to keep the current mode.
🕹️Try it out today
Smart Candidate Distribution was built on feedback from teams like yours — and we're not done yet. Got a suggestion? Drop it on our feedback board or chat with us directly using the button below. 💬