At ClearanceJobs Connect 2024, a panel of recruiting experts shared insights on improving candidate engagement in cleared recruiting. Benjamin Mena, Managing Partner at Select Source Solutions, and Kortney Calano, CEO of Calano & Associates, moderated by Jessica Reynolds from Echelon Services, discussed effective outreach strategies blending automation with personalization.
Strategic timing is essential, as traditional outreach days like Tuesdays and Thursdays are often saturated. Mena noted that reaching out during off-hours, such as evenings and weekends, can help messages stand out. Sunday afternoons, for example, may catch candidates when they are more receptive.
While automation in ATS and CRM systems is valuable for managing pipelines, the panelists stressed the importance of personal touches, including direct calls, customized emails, and video messages. Mena shared that adding video messages can differentiate outreach efforts and make them feel more personal in an increasingly automated landscape.
“Ghosting,” where communication drops off between recruiters and candidates, remains a challenge. Automated tools can help reduce ghosting by tracking candidates’ progress in the hiring process, allowing for consistent follow-up that keeps candidates feeling valued. To stand out in crowded inboxes, the panelists recommended subject lines tailored to candidate priorities, such as compensation or mission alignment, and suggested experimenting with emojis or name personalization.
The session highlighted the importance of blending technology with genuine human connection to build trust and engage candidates effectively in a competitive field. Watch the full panel above!
