Consistent communication allows you to fill each open position with the best talent you can find. Is it any wonder that recruiters increasingly rely on texting to check in with candidates and keep them apprised of the hiring process?
Text messages have a 95% open rate — significantly better than traditional forms of communication like email or voice calls.
Creative hiring managers have found many innovative ways to use SMS for recruitment, and an advanced SMS API can help your team do the same.
What Is an SMS Gateway API?
An SMS gateway API is a software solution that lets you message any mobile device with a cellular connection, it doesn’t even have to be a smartphone. It connects your favorite CRM (candidate relationship management) software to software that enables you to send text messages without changing platforms, adding immediate value to your tech stack.
Most SMS APIs include various efficiency-boosting features and capabilities, such as:
- Automation
- Message scheduling
- Bulk messaging
- Customizable templates
- Personalization
Additionally, many API providers offer ongoing support and resource libraries to maximize clients’ return on investment. If you’re considering adopting a similar solution, research vendors before investing to ensure you partner with a company that cares about your success.
How an SMS API Contributes to Effective Candidate Relationship Management
Here are some of the most noteworthy advantages of using SMS for recruitment.
- Personalization: Job candidates expect recruiters to treat them as people, not numbers. Personalized SMS texts engage recipients by adding the human touch to your messages.
- Record keeping: As you message candidates, that information, timing and message content can be stored right there within their profile.
- Integrations: Seamless integrations with your existing communication infrastructure create a constant flow of data across your organization, so you can efficiently send information from one streamlined platform.
- Intuitive interface: A user-friendly solution lets people get the hang of the platform without a steep learning curve, significantly boosting efficiency.
- Automation: An automated SMS API relieves some of your recruiters’ communication responsibilities, letting them focus on more complex tasks like screening potential candidates and coordinating interviews.
- Availability: An integrated SMS API allows you to handle recruitment communications 24/7 — even outside business hours — to attract more candidates.
Plus, because an SMS API is a digital solution, you don’t need to purchase additional hardware or software, just purchase SMS credits from your provider and you’re set.
5 Top Recruiting Applications for SMS API
Tech-savvy recruiters have used text messages in the hiring process for years to enhance productivity and candidate engagement. The possibilities are endless, but here five examples how hiring managers use SMS messaging:
1. Scheduled Reminders
With an SMS gateway API, you can schedule automated messages for specific recipients to remind them of tasks and appointments like these.
- Application deadlines: Remind applicants of impending deadlines so they can submit their resumes in time for interview consideration.
- Interviews: Texts with details like date, time, place and special instructions reduce no-shows and help people prepare to shine in their interviews.
- Action items: If candidates and new hires still have tasks to complete in their applications or onboarding processes, send an automated reminder to encourage them to finish everything on their to-do lists.
Two-way texting capabilities add an interactive element by allowing candidates to confirm their appointments, ask any questions they have in advance and check in upon arrival.
2. Recruitment Event Invitations
An SMS API enables you to send potential candidates personalized invitations for recruitment and hiring events, such as:
- Career fairs
- Webinars
- Panels and conferences
- Hackathon hiring events
- Office open houses
Customizable templates let you create an individual invitation for each candidate with the ability to edit fields like their name, company name, time and date.
If the event itinerary changes, you can notify registered attendees right away by sending a bulk SMS update with everything they need to know.
3. Hiring Process Updates
Waiting to hear back after an interview is an incredibly nerve-wracking experience, and delaying an update for too long can make candidates drop out of your pool from frustration.
An SMS message is a quick way to keep candidates engaged throughout the hiring process with automated notifications like these.
- Application receipt: Immediately let candidates know you’ve received their application with an automated SMS.
- Post-interview check-ins: An automated thank-you message checking in after an interview shows you appreciated the candidate taking the time to sit down with you, which can help put them at ease.
- Decision notifications: Whether you send an offer or your company has chosen another applicant, notifying people of the decision shows you value their time and effort.
4. Job Alerts
Candidates who submit their applications within one to two weeks of the job’s posting are most likely to get an interview. But they could miss out on their dream job when they only find out about a new opportunity after it’s already been open for months.
Integrations with your other software tools and customizable templates enable you to instantly alert candidates as soon as positions matching their qualifications become available.
5. Direct Candidate Interaction
Effective communication is a two-way street, and incorporating interactive features into your SMS messages helps you establish a strong rapport immediately.
Make your candidates feel more connected to your team with:
- Post-interview survey links: Add clickable links to post-interview surveys to show you appreciate candidates’ opinions. Keep these surveys short, sweet and to the point for the best results.
- Live assistance: Maintain a high level of engagement by enabling candidates to reach out to a real human whenever they have questions about the hiring process.
- Opt-in and opt-out capabilities: Let candidates control the messages they get from you with the ability to opt in or out of texts. For example, if they don’t receive an offer for a specific position but still want information about other job openings, they can opt into future hiring alerts.
Boost Candidate Engagement With Red Oxygen
Are you looking for a cost-effective way to level up your recruiting strategy? Red Oxygen helps in-house recruiters and staffing agencies personally connect with candidates, creating a more engaging hiring process. Request your free trial today to get started.
