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January 15, 2026 4 min read

Why Direct Outreach Gets More Recruiter Responses Than Applying Online

Why Candidates Get Ghosted After Applying for Jobs

Ghosting is one of the most common frustrations in job searching. While 78 percent of candidates expect updates, fewer than 40 percent report receiving them (McKinsey, 2024). This is rarely intentional. Recruiters are overwhelmed, and candidates relying on applications often disappear into automated systems.

How Recruiters Actually Manage High Application Volumes

Recruiters prioritise candidates who are visible, referred, or already engaged in conversation. Applications without context are often reviewed last, if at all.

Why Personal Outreach Increases Response Rates

Direct outreach creates accountability and opens a communication channel that does not exist through an ATS. Even a short response can move an application forward or unlock useful feedback.

How Direct Communication Leads to More Job Interviews

By helping candidates identify the right contacts and reach out effectively, Plexicore turns silence into responses and responses into interviews, improving outcomes without requiring more applications.

Ready to put this into practice?

Plexicore helps you identify the right hiring managers and reach out with confidence.