#Japan #Tokyo #staffing #VODE #ALICE AI

New Calling Feature for Staffing Agencies by VODE's ALICE AI

VODE, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, is set to revolutionize the staffing industry with the launch of a groundbreaking feature in their voice AI agent, ALICE. Starting from July 2026, ALICE will offer a re-engagement function that automatically calls previously registered staff members to rekindle communication. This innovative tool aims to streamline a traditionally inefficient process known as 'digging up' calls, where staffing agencies routinely contact former candidates to solicit their job-seeking interest.

The Challenge of Manual Re-Engagement Calls

In the staffing sector, recruiters often reach out to past employees to verify their availability, especially during slow hiring periods or urgent project assignments. However, this practice has proven to be exceedingly inefficient.

For instance, one of the staffing agencies supported by VODE reported that out of approximately 300 calls per month, only about 10% connect, with only a few of those respondents actively seeking new opportunities. Recruiters often find themselves making calls during their limited business hours (from 9 AM to 6 PM) only to reach voicemail or no response, leading to frustration and time wastage.

Similar to the challenge of integrating web interviews and video assessments among staffing candidates, re-engagement calls have been stuck in a loop—the necessity of personal calls conflicts with the shortage of manpower.

How ALICE's Re-Engagement Feature Works

1. Automated Calling Made Simple
Users can easily upload a list of past candidates in CSV format, or input them individually. ALICE will handle the calling, adhering to predefined operational rules such as callable hours (excluding weekends), frequency, and maximum attempts. This means recruiters no longer need to spend their own time dialing numbers.

2. Engagement and Assessment on the Call
When ALICE successfully connects with a candidate, it identifies itself as the staffing agency representative. After confirming the individual's identity, ALICE will assess their employment status. For candidates currently seeking work, it will ask about desired job types, salary expectations, preferred locations, and potential start dates while introducing available roles. For those already employed, it will inquire about their job types and potential update times to determine the right future engagement moments.

3. Intelligent Re-Calling Mechanism
Once a call concludes, ALICE automatically categorizes respondents into revisit lists. Those reached successfully are removed from the follow-up list, while others who were unavailable remain for further contact. If the maximum call attempts are reached without connection, the system will cease attempts, effectively eliminating unnecessary follow-ups and complaints.

4. Streamlined Information for Recruiters
Conversations details—employment status, desired conditions, interest in roles, and call summaries—are systematically organized and recorded. Recruiters will have access to a dashboard that highlights only candidates with job-seeking intent, minimizing the effort spent on unqualified efforts. Candidates requesting to unsubscribe or cease contact will be added to a Do Not Contact list automatically.

5. Performance Metrics Visualization
ALICE records and compiles calling statistics—total calls attempted, successful connections, and completed calls—aggregating the data daily, weekly, or monthly. Recruiters can utilize this info to gauge the effectiveness of their re-engagement strategies.

Pricing Plans

The re-engagement feature will be integrated into the existing ALICE plan offerings, requiring no initial setup fee. A flexible monthly fee structure that includes AI service and call costs will be established based on the volume of calls made. Users can also share utilization across interview functionalities, allowing adaptable operational strategies. (Further details are available upon request.)

Future Developments

VODE aims to gradually expand this automated calling capability, initially focusing on outbound calls to create a seamless workflow. Future enhancements will include support for returning missed calls and integrating obtained data into skill sheet formats for better system connectivity.

CEO's Insight

VODE's CEO, Kenji Yamaoka, commented, "Re-engagement calling has been a dilemma for staffing agencies, as many know that 90% of their calls may go unanswered, yet they cannot avoid the practice due to demands. ALICE's new feature automates this burden, providing recruiters with qualified leads that are looking for positions, allowing them to focus on meaningful interactions with prospective candidates. We aim to enhance the recruitment process using this most commonly deployed communication channel."

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For more information about VODE and their AI technologies, visit VODE's official website.
Company Profile: VODE Inc. offers innovative AI products, focusing on voice AI technology.
Address: 2F Kwanoh Building, 6-23-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo