Recruiter Not Responding? Here’s Why—and What You Can Do
Understanding the recruiter not responding problem—and how to take back control of your job search
You’re qualified. You’ve applied to 15 roles.
You’ve triple-checked your resume.
And still—nothing. No email. No call. No feedback.
If you’re wondering why the recruiter isn’t responding, you’re not alone.
In a recent Agile Resources poll, the most common frustration job seekers reported was simple but painful: not hearing back from recruiters. And in our March Last Friday Job Party webinar, that theme came up again and again—from the chat, the hosts, and the audience.
So let’s talk about it.
Why is this happening? What can you control? And how can you protect your energy while navigating a broken system?
Why You’re Not Hearing Back From Recruiters
This isn’t just your experience—it’s happening to candidates across industries.
According to a SHRM study, 36% of candidates said they didn’t hear back from employers for one to two months after applying. Many never hear back at all. That lack of response doesn’t just hurt candidates—it damages employer reputation, too.
“There’s a hiring manager out there who needs you right now—and you need a job. But there are all these obstacles happening in between.”
—Clint Hawkins, VP of Client Services, GEE Group
Sometimes it’s overloaded recruiters. Sometimes it’s outdated systems filtering resumes without context. Sometimes it’s a ghosted pipeline. Whatever the cause, one thing is clear: you’re not alone, and it’s not personal.
The Emotional Toll of a Silent Job Search
For many job seekers, especially those navigating layoffs, silence feels worse than rejection.
“You go from grieving a layoff to getting rejected over and over again each week… it’s turning into quite the grind for folks.”
—Clint Hawkins, LFJP Guest Host
And that grind wears you down. Without feedback, it’s hard to know what to change—or if anything even needs to be changed. That’s why it’s crucial to shift focus from what’s not working to what’s within your control.
Dealing With a Recruiter Not Responding: What Works
Let’s reframe the situation. You can’t control every outcome, but you can influence your odds of getting noticed. Here’s how to approach the silence strategically:
Track Applications and Follow Up With Purpose
Use a job tracker (like Agile’s free version) and follow up on applications after a few days. Personalized outreach matters.
Write Better Messages That Get Seen
Avoid leading with a resume. As Clint shared:
“Start light. Don’t pitch your resume in the first message—ask for 15 minutes and make it easy to say yes.”
Don’t Rely on LinkedIn Alone
Some companies prioritize Indeed, Dice, or niche job boards. Not every recruiter uses LinkedIn, so don’t limit your reach.
Use Small Wins to Build Daily Momentum
“Wins build momentum. Even if it’s just something early in the morning you can do between 7:30 and 8:00—get a little win to start your day. That positive momentum will bleed forward.”
—Ben Sheffield, SNI Technologies
Even a short list of goals—like reaching out to 3 contacts or customizing 1 resume—can make a difference.
Tap Into Warm Leads From Your Own Network
Sometimes the fastest way past recruiter silence is to go around it—with a warm introduction from someone who already knows your value.
What Agile Does Differently
At Agile, we know silence sucks. That’s why we coach our hiring partners to keep communication clear, human, and timely—and why our recruiters are trained to actually talk to candidates, not just skim resumes.
We also host monthly webinars like the Last Friday Job Party to connect job seekers with insider insights, real support, and strategies that work. (Missed March’s session? Join us for the next one here).
You’re Not Alone in This
It’s a tough market. But you’re not navigating it solo.
We’re here to support you with recruiter insights, hiring transparency, and a community that gets it. Whether it’s through a webinar, a job tracker, or a conversation—we’ve got your back.
👉 Download Our Free Job Tracker
🎥 Join Our Next Last Friday Job Party
TL;DR:
If you’re sending out applications and hearing nothing back, you’re not alone. This post breaks down why recruiter silence happens, what you can control, and how Agile is showing up differently.