Why don\'t recruiters get back to me-!

Why Recruiters Don\’t Get Back to You

May, 2023

All too often, candidates are left despairing because recruiters aren’t getting back to them. This can happen when applications appear to be dropping into a black hole, or when, after registering with recruiters, a deafening silence ensues, or when a recruitment process suddenly goes quiet.

There are many possible reasons for these scenarios. This article explores what happens once a recruiter receives an application, possible reasons recruiters aren’t engaging with applications, and things candidates can try in these situations.

PART 1

What Happens When a Recruiter Receives an Application
The process of reviewing applications varies between companies. Once a recruiter receives an application, they typically review it to see how closely it matches the job brief. Suitable candidates are added to the candidate management system (CMS) or have their record updated if they are already in the system.

The recruiter codes the candidate’s profile with their skills, experience, and ambitions so they appear in searches for future relevant roles. If an application is promising, the recruitment consultant or researcher will call the applicant to discuss their suitability before potentially putting them forward on a shortlist.

Shouldn’t Every Application Get a Response?
Each recruitment company has its policy on responding to applications. Some send an auto-response to acknowledge receipt, while others notify unsuccessful candidates once the shortlist is finalized. Some only respond to the most relevant candidates.

For junior to mid-level roles, unless you reach the interview stage, the detail about why your application was unsuccessful is likely to be generic due to the economics of recruitment.

AR Resourcing’s Policy
At AR Resourcing, we reply to all candidate applications that are a moderate fit for the role. However, we do not reply to applications that are entirely unrealistic, such as those where the skills are far removed from the job description or a candidate early in their career applies for a director-level role.

If you would like specific feedback on your application or suitability for a role, please call or email the relevant consultant, and they will be happy to help. While we cannot proactively call every candidate, it is our policy to reply to every call or email asking for more information.

How Do You Identify the Problem If You Can’t Get Feedback?
If you aren’t getting feedback from your applications, it can be tempting to apply for more roles. This is almost always a mistake, as you may repeat the same mistakes, resulting in the same outcome.

Instead, consider what you can change:

• Are You Being Realistic? Recruiters identify the best candidates for a role, not every applicant. Jobs require specific experience and skills, and applying without these can be seen as a time-waster.
• Does Your Application Do You Justice? Quality over quantity should be your mantra. A generic CV or poorly written application is unlikely to make you competitive.
• Are You Targeting the Right Recruitment Companies? Spending time reviewing a recruitment company’s website can tell you if they are a good fit for your skills and aspirations.
• Does the Recruiter Have a Good Prospect of Placing You? Recruiters only get a fee if they successfully place a candidate. Applying to multiple recruiters can lower their chances of placing you.
• Is It Worth Applying Speculatively? If your CV doesn’t directly relate to a role the recruitment company is working on, they are unlikely to dedicate time to your job search immediately.
• Would Going Exclusive Make a Difference? Candidates who offer themselves exclusively to one recruiter can find it pays dividends, as the recruiter will prioritize their job search.

PART 2

This part of the blog explores what to do if you’re registered with recruiters but are hearing nothing and what to do when a recruitment process goes quiet.

What If You’re Registered But Recruiters Aren’t Contacting You About Roles
If you have registered with a recruitment company but are not getting opportunities, try speaking with a recruiter specializing in your sector to set expectations.

• Speak with One of the Recruiters – Arrange a call to ask questions like: Are there many roles for your skillset and experience? Is there anything you can do to strengthen your CV? How often should you get in touch with the recruiter?
• Be Aware of the Market – Keeping an eye on job boards can give an indication of whether organizations are recruiting for your skillset or experience. If there is activity and you are not getting calls, contact the recruiter to ask where your profile is falling short.

What If You Started a Process But It Has Gone Quiet?
Once you have been shortlisted for a role, you should expect detailed feedback and updates on progress. Recruiters will typically update you regularly, but sometimes it can go quiet.

• The Client Isn’t Providing the Recruiter with the Information They Need – The recruiter may not know when they will hear back or may not want to start a conversation without more information.
• The Recruiter Is Juggling Competing Priorities – A recruiter juggles multiple processes, which may mean they cannot respond with detail immediately. If you have made contact and not heard back after 48 hours, chase again.