5 Best Text Recruiting Software for High-Volume Hiring

If your recruiting process still depends on email and phone tag, you're losing top talent to employers who respond first.

Texting allows you to reach multiple candidates on their cell phones, with short messages that are easy to read and quick to answer. When done through the right platform, SMS becomes a structured, trackable part of your hiring workflow.

In this article, we will compare the leading text recruiting platforms, review key features, and walk through how to choose the right solution for your hiring needs. Whether you manage high-volume recruiting or specialized roles, this guide will help you make a better decision.

TL;DR

Here are the best text recruiting software worth considering in 2026:

1. TextUs
2. TextRecruit/ICIMS
3. SenseHQ
4. Jobvite Text
5. Grayscale

The Benefits of Texting in Modern Recruiting

Candidates apply faster, compare more roles at once, and expect updates without long gaps.

Many talent acquisition teams still rely on email as the main channel. But this method is easy to miss and slow for time-sensitive steps like scheduling, confirmations, and last-minute changes.

At the same time, many teams still face delays caused by slow candidate replies, missed interview confirmations, and no-shows. It can stretch time-to-hire and increase workload for employees involved in scheduling and coordination.

SMS recruiting creates a more practical way to manage these moments. Texts are easier to respond to than a long email thread and can help you engage potential candidates faster.

It can also support early outreach and quick screening questions, which help you filter out unqualified candidates before scheduling interviews.

Finally, texting reduces back-and-forth during scheduling and gives you a fast channel to answer simple questions that could otherwise stall a candidate.

With scheduled texting and real-time replies working together, response rates can improve while the overall candidate experience remains intact throughout the hiring journey.

5 Best Text Recruiting Software Platforms in 2026

The right software can help you manage messaging, track conversations, automate reminders, and keep notes connected to your hiring system. Below is a comparison of the five best text recruiting platforms in the market:

1. TextUs

TextUs is the best text recruiting platform built for real-time candidate engagement and automated recruiting workflows.

The platform integrates with major applicant tracking systems (ATS) and customer relationship management (CRM) tools like Bullhorn, Salesforce, Workday, and Dynamics 365.

TextUs supports automated campaigns, unlimited campaign size and keywords, and branded short links to increase response rates among candidates. You can run drip SMS campaigns, set automated text triggers, and use shared inboxes to organize team conversations.

TextUs also delivers MMS support, message templates, and comprehensive messaging automation that you can launch from browser, desktop, or mobile apps for full coverage.

Candidate engagement centers on two-way SMS messaging with real-time replies that help reduce time-to-fill and increase placement rates. 

You can segment candidate lists for role-specific outreach and automate first contact, interview reminders, follow-ups, and re-engagement workflows.

The shared inbox makes sure talent teams avoid duplicate responses and maintain continuity within hiring workflows. TextUs provides reporting metrics like delivery, reply, and click rates so hiring managers can monitor performance and refine messaging strategies weekly.

TextUs emphasizes SMS compliance and ease of use for enterprise teams. Designed to replace slow email and phone calls, its features help you reach candidates quickly.

If your hiring process depends on speed and higher response rates, TextUs is the best text recruiting software you need. 

Book a demo to see how this platform fits into your ATS and hiring process!

2. TextRecruit/ICIMS

TextRecruit, now known as iCIMS Text Engagement, is the SMS recruiting solution built into the iCIMS Talent Cloud. If you're already using iCIMS, it allows you to manage candidate text conversations inside the same system you use for hiring.

The platform supports two-way SMS messaging, so you can send individual messages or launch text campaigns for larger hiring efforts. 

Message routing allows incoming replies to be assigned to the right recruiter, which helps prevent missed responses in large hiring departments.

iCIMS also supports messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp through its Text Engagement product, which can be useful for global hiring and messaging preferences.

TextRecruit is built into the iCIMS Talent Cloud, and candidate messaging activity connects with applicant records, interview stages, and reporting tools. You can review message history alongside resumes, notes, and hiring status.

However, some HR teams report that iCIMS can be difficult to use, especially for new recruiters. Many have mentioned limited customization options, which can create challenges for high-volume hiring groups.

Navigation is another common concern, with some users saying it can take time to find key features or complete manual tasks.

3. SenseHQ

SenseHQ offers a text recruiting solution for managing candidate conversations via SMS and WhatsApp. The platform supports two-way messaging, so you can text candidates and keep the conversation going in one platform.

You can also send broadcast messages to groups of candidates while still using personalization fields like name and job title. SenseHQ Messaging includes a shared inbox, which is useful for larger recruiting groups where multiple recruiters may contact the same candidate pool.

The inbox also includes tools like filters and search for sorting messages based on activity, tags, or candidate status. SenseHQ connects with ATS platforms that allow you to use candidate data inside your texting workflows.

SenseHQ also includes automation features that go beyond basic texting. Hiring teams can use it for interview scheduling and follow-up sequences, which can reduce the amount of back-and-forth involved in setting interview times.

Some HR professionals report performance issues with SenseHQ, especially around messaging. Many have mentioned occasional glitches, lag, and slow loading, which can make it harder to sync conversations or reply to candidates.

4. Jobvite Text

Jobvite includes text recruiting as part of its broader Talent Acquisition Suite. The texting features sit inside the main hiring system for managing candidate communication alongside applicant tracking and onboarding.

The platform supports one-to-one and one-to-many SMS messaging. You can start individual conversations or send text messages to larger groups of job seekers for open roles.

Jobvite also includes an Intelligent Messaging module, enabling recruiters to track conversations, review message history, and automate certain follow-ups within the system.

The platform adds chatbot features to support early-stage screening. You can use chatbot-driven pre-screen forms and keyword responses to gather basic candidate information before a live conversation begins.

Text-to-apply tools and career site chatbots also allow candidates to express interest through text, which can help capture job applicants who prefer mobile communication.

Some staffing firms say Jobvite can feel clunky when managing candidates and scheduling interviews at optimal times. Others have mentioned confusion around workflows and features, which can slow down the application process. 

5. Grayscale

Grayscale is a text recruiting platform built for candidate communication through SMS, automation, and AI-based workflows. It supports messaging inside common ATS systems, such as Greenhouse, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, UKG Pro, and ADP.

The platform supports two-way texting, bulk messaging, and automated messages that can trigger based on changes in candidate status. These workflows are designed for high-volume hiring where you need a consistent way to stay in touch with large candidate lists.

Grayscale also includes an AI-powered assistant named Gracie, which is built to support tasks like interview scheduling, reminders, follow-ups, and screening questions. 

It reduces the amount of manual messaging recruiters have to manage each day, especially for roles with large pipelines.

Beyond basic texting, Grayscale supports interview scheduling for different formats, including one-on-one interviews, panels, and hiring events. The platform includes reporting dashboards for tracking delivery, replies, and engagement trends over time.

However, some feedback points to the lack of built-in spell check and difficulty viewing screenshots within message threads. Adding candidates individually has also been described as time-consuming for high-volume hiring.

How to Choose the Best Text Recruiting Software

Choosing the best text recruiting software starts with understanding how your hiring process works today and where texting fits into it. Below is a simple step-by-step approach to guide your evaluation.

Step #1: Define Your Hiring Volume

Start by reviewing the type and volume of roles you hire for each year.

High-volume hiring, such as retail, healthcare, logistics, or hourly roles, requires bulk messaging, structured workflows, and marketing automation. You should be able to contact large candidate lists, schedule interviews fast, and manage replies without confusion.

Executive recruiting or specialized hiring may require more personalized communication. In that case, strong one-to-one texting, message tracking, and candidate history inside the ATS may be more important than large broadcast campaigns.

Consider your structure. Staffing agencies typically manage multiple clients and job orders at once. That requires message routing, shared inbox visibility, and reporting by recruiter or account. 

In-house hiring groups may focus more on integration with their internal ATS and employer brand consistency.

Step #2: Check Integration Capabilities

Text recruiting software should connect to the systems you already use.

Start with ATS compatibility. Candidate stages, notes, and message history should stay in sync so you’re not switching between tools or duplicating work.

If your organization maintains talent pools in a CRM, confirm that messaging activity connects to those records as well. Long-term engagement becomes easier when communication history lives in one place.

Calendar sync is another important detail. Automated scheduling and reminders work best when the platform connects with tools like Outlook or Google Calendar.

Step #3: Evaluate Compliance and Security

Texting candidates involves legal and privacy responsibilities. You need to look for platforms that support the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) requirements and track consent.

SMS opt-in and opt-out handling should be automatic, with updates reflected inside the system. This allows candidates to control how they receive messages.

If you're hiring in the United States, 10DLC registration is required for business texting. You have to confirm that the vendor manages that process.

Security standards also deserve attention. Teams should review data protection practices, audit logs, and system controls before making a decision.

Step #4: Review Automation Capabilities

Automation can shape how much time you spend on repetitive outreach.

Interview reminders help limit no-shows and reduce ghosting. Follow-up sequences keep conversations active with the best candidates without manual tracking.

For longer hiring cycles, nurturing workflows can maintain contact with candidates who are not ready to move forward right away. 

If the platform can trigger messages based on candidate status changes in your ATS, it can support consistent communication throughout the recruitment process.

Step #5: Compare Pricing and Scalability

SMS marketing pricing structures vary from vendor to vendor.

Some charge per user, while others base pricing on message volume. You have to review how costs change as hiring activity grows.

It's also worth reviewing setup fees, integration costs, compliance registration, and contract terms. For mid-market and enterprise organizations, long-term flexibility is an important factor.

The best text recruiting software should support your current hiring goals while keeping your candidate experience intact.

Modernize Your Candidate Communication With TextUs

Hiring moves fast, and candidates expect fast communication.

If you're searching for the best text recruiting software, you need a platform that reaches mobile-first candidates, connects with your ATS, and keeps your recruiters in control of every message.

TextUs is built for hiring groups that rely on speed and structure. It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easier to stay organized and boost employee experience.

With two-way texting, automated campaigns, shared inboxes, and direct integrations with ATS systems, it helps you manage large-scale communication inside your existing workflow.

If your team is ready to improve response rates and keep recruiting conversations organized, it's time to see TextUs in action. 

Book a demo today and explore how it can improve candidate experience!

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FAQs About the Best Text Recruiting Software

What is the best text message for recruiting?

The best recruiting text is short and easy to reply to. You can use the candidate’s name, mention the role, and ask one simple question.

Example: “Hi Jordan, this is Alex with ABC Company. Are you open to a quick call about the Customer Support role? If yes, what time works today or tomorrow?”

What are the top 5 ATS systems?

Five ATS platforms commonly used by mid-market and enterprise hiring groups include:

1. iCIMS
2. Greenhouse
3. Jobvite Text
4. Workday
5. Zoho Recruit

What is the best recruiting software?

The best recruiting software depends on your hiring volume, your ATS, and how your recruiters work. You should look for strong reporting, automation, and flexible system integrations that support your job postings strategy and hiring goals.

If texting is part of your recruitment process, TextUs is the best text recruiting platform you can use alongside an ATS to manage two-way messaging, campaigns, and follow-ups in a structured way.

How do I text 100 people at once?

You need to use a text recruiting platform with bulk messaging. You can upload a list, write one message, and send it to the full group.

SMS marketing platforms like TextUs also support SMS templates, personalization fields, and reply tracking. You can follow up without losing conversations. This is also useful for event outreach, including reminders for virtual career fairs.