How often do you check your phone?

We're betting the answer lies around the 'a lot' / 'too much' mark. So why wouldn't you communicate with candidates via their mobile phones?

Studies show the open rate of a text message is a staggering 98%.* Increasingly, organisations are using text to communicate with their customers by way of sending delivery reminders, feedback surveys or even latest offers and voucher codes.

But what place does texting technology have in recruitment?

Why you should be engaging candidates via text message:

• Open and response rates for texts are much higher than those for emails.
• Sending texts from within your ATS is less time consuming than telephoning candidates.
• Almost every adult in the UK has the capacity to receive a text message: 93%* of UK adults own a mobile phone.
• It’s a really simple platform to use, and is therefore still accessible to applicants who are less familiar with technology

Sending and receiving a text is instant, engaging and simple. 

How can you use texting in recruitment?

Reminders

Texting is an ideal method for sending interview reminders to candidates. With such a high open rate, your candidates are unlikely to miss a reminder sent by text. This increases their likeliness of attendance, and reduces your no-show rate.

Attendance confirmation

Two-way SMS technology can be similarly valuable. When
conducting assessment days, it’s useful to have a good idea of how many candidates will be attending. Text your applicants to ask them to confirm attendance.

Bulk communications

If you’re managing high volume recruitment, or seasonal recruitment campaigns which need fast and engaging communication tools, SMS technology offers a quick and easy way to communicate with a multitude of candidates, rather than spending the time sending emails, and filling up your inbox with lengthy responses.

Candidate experience

SMS technology doesn’t just enhance your experience as an employer – it can also improve a candidate’s experience. Think sending a candidate directions before an interview, or a helpful reminder of who to ask for when they arrive at reception. Being a supportive and communicative organisation enhances your employer brand, and may increase the likelihood of an applicant choosing to work for your organisation.

Text is a fantastic tool for breaking down barriers in recruitment communication. As well as being accessible to almost everyone, it can improve your attendance rate and provide an accurate prediction of your interview and assessment day attendance.

Is it time that you embraced texting within your recruitment strategy?

* Mobile engagement: Why SMS is still the biggest missed opportunity – The Engage Hub

A version of this post was originally published on Hireserve.com