When a human steps in
The WhatsApp bot handles most candidate interactions automatically. Sometimes a recruiter needs to step in — to answer a specific question, handle a sensitive situation, or move a conversation forward manually.
The bot itself flags when this is likely needed: on the candidate's WhatsApp tab, the header shows a Needs handover badge when the bot has decided a human should take it from here.
Seeing the bot's status
Open the candidate's profile and go to the WhatsApp tab. The header tells you how the conversation is being handled:
Bot active — the bot is currently responding automatically
Bot paused — the bot is not responding; the conversation is being handled manually
Needs handover — the bot has flagged that a recruiter should step in
Continuing the conversation yourself
To take the conversation forward, reply from the WhatsApp tab like any other message:
Inside the 24-hour window — type a free-form message and send it
Outside the window — send an approved template to re-engage the candidate first
Your messages go out from the same company WhatsApp number, so the transition is seamless from the candidate's side, and everything is logged in the conversation history.
Pausing and resuming the bot
How the bot pauses and resumes for a conversation is configured for your workspace during setup. Dedicated take-over and return-to-bot controls on the candidate profile are rolling out — until then, coordinate handover behavior with your Recruitera account manager so recruiter replies and the bot don't respond over each other.
Important things to know
The 24-hour window rules always apply. If the window has closed, you must use an approved template — you cannot send free-form messages.
All messages, automated or manual, are logged in the candidate's conversation history.
Several recruiters can view a conversation, but only one should message at a time to avoid confusion.