Recruitment is all about communication, but in today’s fast-paced world, what’s the best way to reach candidates and employers? With so many options—email, phone calls, WhatsApp, LinkedIn messages—getting it right can mean the difference between engaging top talent and being ignored.
At Keen People, we’ve had countless conversations about this. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the key is understanding the situation, the person, and the urgency. Here’s how we see it:
- Email: The Professional Staple
Best for: Formal introductions, detailed job specs, and follow-ups
Pros: Professional, trackable, allows for thoughtful responses
Watch out for: Getting lost in crowded inboxes, slower response times
Email remains the default for recruitment, especially for sharing contracts or interview details. But let’s be honest—people are drowning in emails, so it’s not always the fastest way to get a response.
- Phone Calls: Direct, But Do They Work?
Best for: Urgent updates, salary negotiations, interview prep
Pros: Builds rapport, reduces misunderstandings, allows real-time discussion
Watch out for: Unanswered calls, catching people at a bad time
A quick call can be powerful, but only if the person is expecting it. Random cold calls? Less effective. A scheduled call? Much better.
- WhatsApp & Text: Quick & Personal
Best for: Confirming meetings, answering quick questions, informal updates
Pros: Instant, easy, great for fast-moving processes
Watch out for: Feeling too informal, not suitable for every candidate
WhatsApp works well for candidates who prefer quick, casual updates. But it’s important to be mindful—some people see it as too personal for work-related communication.
- LinkedIn Messages: The Recruitment Hub
Best for: First contact, networking, sharing job opportunities
Pros: Candidates expect job-related messages here, good for passive talent
Watch out for: Generic messages get ignored, overused by recruiters
LinkedIn is brilliant for connecting with professionals, but a copy-paste message won’t get a response. A personalised approach is essential.
So, What’s the Best Approach?
The best recruiters know that communication is about adaptability. Some candidates prefer a quick WhatsApp message, while others want an email to refer back to. The key is to ask candidates how they prefer to be contacted—then respect that.
We tailor our approach to each candidate and employer, ensuring that every conversation is timely, effective, and personal—no spam, no unnecessary calls, just real conversations that drive results.