Best Practices for Recruiting with SMS

Recruiting has evolved into a multi-channel approach over the years, and SMS has become a popular channel for recruiters to reach candidates. SMS recruiting is a quick and efficient way for recruiters to connect with potential candidates while they are on the go. Reaching job seekers on their smartphones can lead to faster response times and a more engaged audience. In this blog post, we will discuss the best practices for recruiting with SMS and provide some sample messages that recruiters can use.

Keep Your Messages Short and Sweet

The beauty of SMS messaging is that it’s instantaneous and concise. SMS messages have a 98% open rate, proving that they’re an effective way to get your message in front of your target audience. However, keep in mind that not all candidates will have the time or patience to read lengthy messages. Make sure your message is brief, easy to read, and gets straight to the point. Highlight the most important information, such as the job title, location, and key requirements.

Personalize Your Messages

Personalization is key to standing out in the recruiting process. It shows that you’ve done your research and that you’re genuinely interested in the candidate. A personalized message can be something as simple as addressing the candidate by name or referencing their education or previous work experience. Studies show that personalized messages result in a higher response rate compared to generic messages.

Don’t Forget to Follow Up

Like any form of communication, following up is crucial to ensuring that your message doesn’t fall through the cracks. SMS messages offer a unique opportunity to follow up quickly and easily, especially since most messages are opened within minutes of being sent. Following up shows the candidate that you’re serious about the opportunity and that you value their time.

Timing and Frequency

Be mindful of the timing and frequency of your messages. You don’t want to bombard candidates with too many messages, which can be seen as spam. It’s best to send messages during the day when candidates are more likely to be engaged. Also, consider the time zone of the candidate.

Call to Action

SMS messages should always have a clear call to action. This could be an invitation to apply for a job, schedule an interview, or visit the company website. The message should prompt the candidate to take action.

Use SMS to Drive Traffic to Your Careers Website

SMS messages can be an effective way to drive traffic to your careers website. An SMS message that highlights a new job opening and includes a link to the job posting can encourage candidates to apply and learn more about the company. Make sure that your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.

Respect Candidate’s Privacy and Avoid Spamming

While SMS messaging can be an effective way to reach candidates, it’s important to respect their privacy and avoid spamming. Make sure that candidates have opted in to receive text messages from your company. Avoid sending multiple messages in a short period, as this can come across as aggressive.

SMS recruiting can be an effective tool for recruiters to reach candidates quickly and efficiently. By following the best practices outlined in this blog post, recruiters can increase their response rates and engagement with potential candidates. However, it’s essential to follow best practices and ensure that your messages are personalized, concise, and respectful of the candidate’s privacy. By incorporating SMS messaging into your recruitment strategy, you can stand out from the competition and attract top talent to your organization.

State of SMS Engagement 2024

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