Best Time to Call a Candidate: Data from 100,000 Recruitment Calls

When Should Recruiters Call Candidates for Maximum Response?

Timing is everything in recruitment. Call too early, and the candidate may be occupied. Call too late, and they may ignore your outreach. To help recruiters optimize their outreach strategy, we analyzed 100,000 recruitment calls made across different industries and time zones.

Here’s what the data reveals about the best time to call candidates for higher answer rates, better engagement, and faster hiring.

Key Takeaways from the Data

• Peak Answer Rates: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Worst Time to Call: Before 9:00 AM & After 8:00 PM
• Highest Response Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
• Lowest Response Days: Monday & Friday
• Best Time for Senior Candidates: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (after work hours)
• Best Time for Job Seekers Actively Applying: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Breakdown: Best & Worst Times to Call Candidates

Why These Time Slots Work

1. Mid-Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
   • Candidates actively checking emails & messages.
   • Ideal for job seekers actively applying.
2. Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
   • Less work pressure, candidates more open to conversations.
   • Good for reaching passive candidates.
3. Evening (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
   • Best time for senior professionals who are busy during office hours.
   • Avoids work interruptions, increasing chances of a detailed conversation.

Worst Times to Call & Why to Avoid Them

• Early Morning (Before 9:00 AM) – Most candidates are either commuting or getting ready for work.
• Lunch Breaks (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) – Some candidates answer, but many avoid calls.
• Late Nights (After 9:00 PM) – Calls are ignored, seen as intrusive.

Industry-Specific Insights

• IT & Tech Candidates – Higher response rates after 5:00 PM.
• Finance & Consulting – Best responses between 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
• Blue-Collar & Field Jobs – Peak response before 10:00 AM & after 4:00 PM.

Actionable Tips for Recruiters

1. Schedule Calls During Peak Hours – Avoid wasting time on low-response periods.
2. Use WhatsApp Before Calling – A quick pre-call message increases the chance of an answered call.
3. Optimize Call Scripts for Different Time Slots – Keep morning calls short, while evening calls can be more detailed.
4. Follow Up With a Message – If a call is unanswered, send a WhatsApp message or email immediately.

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Final Thoughts

Based on 100,000 recruitment calls, the best times to connect with candidates are 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, with Tuesdays to Thursdays being the most effective days. Recruiters who optimize their call timing see higher response rates, better engagement, and faster hiring cycles.

Ready to Increase Your Candidate Response Rates?

Use these data-driven insights to schedule calls at the right time and improve your recruitment efficiency!