Attention Is Silver, but Time Is Gold: Rethinking Candidate Communication

Recruiters are constantly trying to capture the attention of top talent—but in a time where our attention spans are shortened by endless scrolling and our brains are always chasing the next dopamine hit, getting a candidate’s time is the real win. And in talent acquisition, time isn’t just money—it’s gold!

Since the pandemic, our work lives have become more “always on” than ever. Real-time communication tools like Slack, Teams and Zoom have become second nature in our day-to-day. But while they’re great for collaboration, they’re not always ideal when it comes to candidate communication—especially if you want to create a thoughtful, low-pressure experience.

So, how do you stand out in a candidate’s busy day without adding friction?
Let’s look at three common hiring moments where asynchronous (video) communication can make all the difference.

📬 Scenario 1: Candidate outreach

Let’s face it—your outreach is competing with dozens of other notifications. Calling a candidate unexpectedly during their workday might feel proactive, but it often catches them at the worst time. Imagine being in an open-plan office, answering an unknown number, only to hear a recruiter launch into a series of questions. You’re suddenly whispering answers and looking for a quiet spot, while also trying not to make it obvious to your coworkers. Not exactly a recipe for success.

Instead of putting candidates on the spot, asynchronous communication allows them to absorb your message and respond in their own time—without the pressure or the sneaking around.

📞 Scenario 2: Telephone screening

Even if the role sounds interesting, scheduling a traditional phone screening often means a game of calendar ping-pong. Candidates end up lying to their lunch buddies or skipping breaks just to squeeze in a quick call.

But what if they could record their answers at home, after hours, when they’re relaxed and focused? Automated video interviews offer that flexibility, giving candidates space to reflect—and helping you collect better insights without the scheduling hassle.

👥 Scenario 3: Meeting the team

Even later-stage interviews can be a challenge. Imagine trying to meet future colleagues over a live video call, while secretly ducking out of your current job or juggling childcare.

Instead of another awkward time crunch, what if candidates could get to know the team through short intro videos or explore the role via a pre-recorded vacancy video? Asynchronous video makes it easier for candidates to connect with your company in a way that’s respectful of their schedule—and their privacy.

🎥 Why asynchronous video communication works

Asynchronous communication means you’re not expecting a response right away—giving candidates full control over when and how they engage with you. It reduces stress, improves focus, and gives your message space to land properly.

Plus, it allows a wider range of candidates to shine. Not everyone performs well under pressure or during unexpected phone calls. Video gives people time to think and show up as their best selves, which leads to fairer, more inclusive hiring decisions.

👉 Bonus: For candidates who might not feel comfortable on camera or for roles where verbal communication is key, asynchronous audio interviews are a great alternative. They offer the same flexibility and structure, without the pressure of being on video—keeping the process inclusive without losing personal connection.

💡 How to make your messages stand out

The biggest risk with asynchronous messaging? Getting ignored. That’s where video really shines. A short video message in a candidate’s inbox is way more engaging than another wall of text. It shows effort, personality, and creates a human connection from the start.

Whether you’re introducing a role, sharing next steps, or giving feedback—video helps you stand out, stay memorable, and make candidates feel seen.

🎬 Capture the moment: bring async video into your hiring flow

As more TA leaders turn to video to improve hiring outcomes, now’s the time to embrace asynchronous communication—before your competition gets there first.

So go ahead, hit that record button and meet your candidates where they are.
HAPPY (asynchronous) HIRING!