In the digital age, technology continues to reshape various aspects of our lives, and the recruitment industry is no exception. Traditional methods of sourcing and engaging candidates have evolved to adapt to the fast-paced nature of today’s workforce.

One innovation that has gained significant traction is text recruiting. Harnessing the power of mobile communication, text recruiting has emerged as a game-changer in the talent acquisition landscape. SMS has proved to be effective in recruitment because of its high open and response rates. It is a quick and direct way of reaching candidates, and it has the potential to streamline the hiring process and reduce time-to-hire.

In this blog, we will explore how to leverage text messaging to build candidate engagement and maximize recruiter efficiency, from screening candidates to scheduling interviews and sending job offers

Using SMS to Screen Candidates

One of the biggest advantages of SMS is that it allows for quick and efficient screening of candidates. This means that recruiters and hiring managers can easily assess a candidate’s qualifications and interest in the position before investing too much time in the recruitment process.

There are different strategies for using SMS to screen candidates.

For example, recruiters can use pre-screening questions, automated messages, and other tools to assess a candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the role. Pre-screening questions can be used to ask basic information about the candidate’s experience and qualifications, while automated messages can be used to assess a candidate’s interest in the position and availability for an interview.

People prefer short, electronic instant messaging, with 33% of adults (77% of 18-22 year olds) preferring texts over all forms of communication. Glassdoor research shows 58% of users search for jobs on their phones, so recruiters must communicate via text and have mobile-optimized recruitment software to meet candidate expectations.

Using SMS to Schedule Interviews

Once candidates have been screened, the next step is often scheduling interviews. SMS can be a powerful tool for scheduling interviews quickly and efficiently. For example, recruiters can use automated scheduling tools, personalized messages, and calendar integration to schedule interviews without the need for back-and-forth emails or phone calls.

Automated scheduling tools can be integrated with a recruiter’s calendar, allowing candidates to see available time slots and schedule interviews themselves.

Personalized messages can be used to confirm the interview time and location, as well as provide any additional information the candidate may need. This can save a significant amount of time and effort compared to traditional scheduling methods.

Streamlining the Hiring Process with SMS

Another advantage of SMS in recruitment is that it can be used to streamline the hiring process and reduce time-to-hire. 

SMS can be used to send job offers, automate onboarding tasks, and communicate with candidates throughout the hiring process. SMS can be used to send job offers quickly and efficiently. This can be particularly valuable in high-volume hiring situations where recruiters need to make job offers to multiple candidates at once.

SMS can also be used to automate onboarding tasks, such as sending new hires information about their start date, location, and any required paperwork. A tool like LiveHire prompts recruiters and hiring managers to respond to every single application, with automated SMS and nudge notifications also making it easier to communicate with candidates and keep them in the loop

Leveraging SMS to Engage and Build Relationships with Candidates

SMS can be a valuable tool for engaging with candidates and building relationships throughout the hiring process. Recruiters and hiring managers can use SMS to send personalised messages to candidates, such as updates on the status of their application or reminders about upcoming interviews.

SMS can also be used to follow up with candidates after an interview or to provide additional information about the company and the role. By using SMS to stay in touch with candidates, recruiters can build relationships and keep top talent engaged and interested in the position.

In today’s job market, having the ability to communicate instantly is a significant advantage, especially when the pool of qualified candidates is limited.

According to a 2021 study by Zety, 42% of recruiters stated that slow response times to calls and emails were a significant obstacle to successful hiring. However, this hurdle is now a thing of the past for those recruiters using text recruiting. The impact of text messaging is remarkable.

LiveHire users achieve an average median response time of 17 minutes for two-way SMS texts between recruiters and candidates.

Finally, recruiters can engage with candidates in real time, delivering personalized and relevant information in a manner that feels current and akin to how we interact with our friends today

Best Practices for Incorporating SMS into Your Hiring Strategy

To maximize the power of SMS, recruiters and hiring managers need to follow certain best practices. This includes crafting effective SMS messages, integrating SMS with other recruitment technologies, and tracking and analyzing SMS recruitment efforts. Effective SMS messages should be clear, concise, and tailored to the specific candidate and position. 

Personalization can be particularly effective, such as addressing the candidate by name or referring to specific qualifications or experience they have. Recruiters can maximize their SMS efficiencies by creating and using message templates, as well, for quick standard messages to candidates. 

Utilizing technology with native SMS capabilities can also be valuable. For example, the LiveHire platform allows recruiters to engage with candidates all within the platform to streamline the recruitment process and ensure that all candidate information is kept in one place. This can also help to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.  

Conclusion

Text recruiting has emerged as a dynamic and effective method for engaging with candidates and streamlining the talent acquisition process.

By leveraging the ubiquity of mobile devices and the preference for text-based communication, recruiters can establish instant connections, engage a wider talent pool, and accelerate hiring cycles.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve and candidate’s desire for convenience grows, text recruiting will play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of recruitment, helping organizations secure top talent more efficiently and effectively than ever before.

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