In today’s recruitment landscape, automation and AI have transformed how companies attract and engage talent. Yet, a growing trend often overlooked is the use of SMS (text messaging) as a communication tool. Text messaging is a powerful asset for recruiters to connect with candidates, enhancing engagement, speed, and overall experience. Here are nine compelling reasons to consider SMS in your hiring strategy in 2024.

Note: Always obtain explicit consent before initiating text communication with candidates. Without it, reach out via other channels first to request opt-in for text updates.

1. Higher Engagement Rates

With a 98% open rate for text messages compared to just 20% for emails, SMS outshines traditional email in candidate engagement. Texts receive a 45% response rate compared to email’s 6%, making it 7.5 times more likely that candidates will respond to a text. SMS is direct, convenient, and reaches candidates whether they’re at work, on the go, or between meetings.

Quick Tip:

Send a follow-up text after emailing lengthy documents to ensure candidates don’t miss out.

2. Candidates Prefer Texts to Calls

Today’s workforce, especially Millennials and Gen Z, finds calls inconvenient and even anxiety-inducing. Texting allows candidates to reply on their own time, ensuring they feel valued and comfortable. Real-time exchanges via SMS allow a smoother experience and transparency, helping candidates stay informed about their application status without added stress.

3. SMS Speeds Up Hiring

Slow response times are a common pain point for candidates. By using SMS for initial outreach and follow-ups, you can cut down time-to-hire and gain a competitive edge. Some ideas:

• Text-to-Apply: Share a QR code or dedicated SMS number, enabling candidates to text directly for job applications.

• Opt-In for Job Alerts: Allow candidates to subscribe to updates on new positions.

• Automated Screening: Use SMS flows to pre-qualify candidates.

4. Less Intrusive Communication

SMS respects candidates’ schedules and privacy. Unlike phone calls, texts can be read discreetly without disrupting work or alerting a current employer. You can also set texts to be sent during regular hours to maintain professionalism without infringing on personal time.

5. Simplifies Candidate Screening

Using bulk SMS and pre-set templates, recruiters can easily screen large volumes of candidates, requesting documents, confirming job requirements, or completing background checks. This lets recruiters focus more time on interviewing and moving viable candidates forward in the process.

6. Higher Completion Rates for Applications

Sometimes, candidates abandon applications due to unclear instructions or technical glitches. A follow-up text can help by answering questions or allowing candidates to revisit applications they didn’t complete the first time. This simple step can result in a noticeable uptick in completed applications.

7. Integrate SMS into Existing Systems

Most SMS platforms integrate with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and other recruitment tools, allowing recruiters to sync messages, update candidate profiles, and automate processes like interview confirmations. Integrations also enable texts to trigger other actions, such as sending status updates or reminders for interview prep.

8. Cost-Effective and Scalable

SMS is affordable, costing about 4 cents per message, and highly scalable. For a minimal monthly fee, recruiters can even secure a dedicated SMS number. For small businesses, it’s less costly than a subscription to expensive software and offers flexibility in communication frequency based on responses.

9. Enhances Candidate Experience in Onboarding

Once a candidate accepts an offer, texts can keep them engaged and informed through onboarding. Periodic messages with company updates, event invites, or feedback requests show new hires that they’re valued. A welcoming onboarding process often leads to higher retention rates and positive impressions, which are crucial as they transition into their roles.

Incorporating SMS into your recruitment strategy can improve engagement, streamline your processes, and help secure top talent more efficiently. The key is balancing SMS with other channels and experimenting with what best resonates with your unique audience.