How to Keep Candidates Engaged During Recruitment with AI and UKG

“Low candidate engagement leads to high candidate drop-offs.”– I think, as a recruiter, you’ve read this a lot throughout all the LinkedIn posts and articles by the HR gurus. But things aren’t as easy to do as it is easy to say, right? Well, actually, with AI, it is. With CloudApper AI Recruiter for UKG Pro & Ready Recruiting, you can finally keep candidates engaged throughout every stage. How? That’s what we’re going to discuss in this article, alongside some key reasons why it’s hard for recruiters like you to carry out consistent candidate communications.

Why Candidate Communication Falls Apart

Did you know that, according to SHRM Talent Pulse, Q1 2025, 72% of candidates drop off due to a lack of timely communication [1]? Or that, according to a study by ERE Media, 36% of candidates were still waiting 1–2+ months for next steps after applying [2]?

After working with so many companies to solve their recruitment challenges, these are the top reasons we’ve found out on why carrying out consistent candidate communication isn’t always possible – 

Too Many Applications to Keep Up With

One job post can attract hundreds or even thousands of candidates if you are a well-known employer. Sorting through them all is already a full-time job. Now add the need to follow up with every single person, and you’re looking at long hours and constant context switching.

You’re Already Juggling Way Too Much

Let’s be honest—recruiting isn’t just about interviews and offers. You’re managing schedules, aligning with hiring managers, updating job posts, checking your ATS, and more. Somewhere in between, candidate communication gets delayed.

Your Tools Don’t Talk to Each Other

You may use UKG for recruitment, but if your outreach happens in email or another CRM, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. Candidate engagement drops when communication is scattered.

How AI Helps You Keep Candidates Engaged

CloudApper AI Recruiter Agent integrates with UKG Pro & Ready Recruiting to handle all the communication touchpoints for you, without missing a beat. Here’s how it helps you keep candidates engaged across the entire journey.

Sends Company Updates Periodically Until a Decision Is Made

No one likes to feel forgotten. That’s why the CloudApper AI Agent for Talent Acquisition automatically sends check-in emails periodically. These emails might come from your Chief People Officer, CEO, or any leader you choose during setup. The content can include updates about company culture, recent awards, or even short videos, helping candidates stay connected until there’s a decision.

Keeps Candidates Updated at Every Step

Every time a candidate advances in your UKG recruiting system, the CloudApper AI Recruiter Agent automatically sends a congratulatory message via SMS or email. It includes a short note of encouragement and instructions on what to expect next. This builds momentum and makes people feel valued, which improves candidate experience and helps reduce candidate ghosting. Even if a candidate doesn’t get selected for the next stage, they also get an update with a polite email, so no candidate is ghosted, and you can maintain a good employer brand.

Lets Candidates Schedule Interviews Themselves

No more back-and-forth trying to align schedules. Once a candidate reaches the interview stage, CloudApper’s AI Recruiting Tool sends a personalized link to let candidates schedule interviews by themselves. This speeds things up, makes life easier for your team, and improves candidate engagement instantly.

Sends Follow-Ups to Unresponsive Candidates

Sometimes candidates don’t respond, but often it’s because they missed the message or got busy. That’s why CloudApper’s AI Recruiting Agent automatically follows up with those who haven’t responded within 24 hours. 

Each of these touchpoints is designed to make candidates feel informed, supported, and excited about joining your team. When you keep candidates engaged, your brand looks better, and your hiring process moves faster.

Conclusion

Keeping candidates engaged doesn’t have to be another to-do on your already packed list. With CloudApper AI Recruiter for UKG Pro & Ready Recruiting, you get an AI Agent that does the follow-ups, sends updates, keeps everyone informed, and makes sure no candidate gets left wondering what’s next. Contact us today to create an exceptional recruitment experience for your next candidates.