With an estimated 90% open rate, text messaging has the potential to reach your customers more directly and personably than any other form of communication. On top of that, the ROI on SMS is outstanding while the output is extremely low. So if you’re not already using text messaging for business reasons, it’s definitely worth a shot.
Job and career recruiters can especially benefit from text messaging with their candidates in a few key ways. As a recruiter, you’re often busy on the road meeting clients and making connections. Being able to communicate with employers and candidates quickly is essential. There are several ways that SMS messaging can be of use to recruiters trying to connect potential employees with their dream jobs, as well as for others who work alongside recruiters on a daily basis.
If you’re a recruiter, manager or even someone who is in the B2B career space, keep reading to learn how to stay in touch with your valuable leads and candidates.
Benefits of Text Messaging for Recruiters
There are many benefits to having a text messaging platform. We have included a video below showing an example of an automated recruitment chatbot that we helped our customer, Adaptive Nursing, put into place. Check out our customer testimonial blog to learn more about how SendHub’s efficient business SMS platform has helped build and revolutionize Adaptive’s workforce.
Here are five reasons why you should start incorporating text messaging into your daily workflow.
1. Getting Up Close and Personal
People in the midst of finding jobs and candidates are often put in the tough position of having to please multiple parties. A candidate may be out of work and vulnerable, or they may be feeling anxious or upset about the intention to leave their current workplace.
With so much incoming junk mail, it’s difficult for recruiters to cut through the clutter with email reminders. Recruiters may choose to text because it can add a certain type of personal touch to their message. Text messaging is also considered less invasive than phone calls. Sending an SMS can facilitate a closer, more confidential type of relationship with clients and recruits.
A simple text may make poeple feel safer and more trusting. This is important because as a recruiter, you want to make sure candidates are as honest as possible about their career goals and intentions.
2. Communicating About Leads
Text messaging can be valuable for lead generation in some B2B spaces where you need to be direct and specific, but still personable. You want to be brief with your potential candidates and not interrupt their day (as you might with a phone call). Sending a text ensures that you get valuable messages across immediately and read quickly.
3. Scheduling Interviews
Say you have a lead on a fortune-500 company, one that promises a big payout to both your candidates and you. The CEO is an extremely busy person, and their secretary is madly trying to coordinate a few positions. You can make everyone’s lives easier by sending out a simple text to three of your top recruits. Not only will this prompt the candidates to reply sooner than later, but it’ll also make scheduling easier.
Here’s a sample SMS text to schedule an interview:
- Hello (name)! Are you ready for your interview? (X company) has a space on (date and time) and needs an answer by (date). Please text me a simple yes or no by (time). Thanks, and have a great day!
4. Employer News and Other Updates
Text messaging lets you quickly update recruits on the status of applications or even on new openings. If you’re a recruiter who’s the first to know about job openings, this is a great way to keep in touch with clients. And if they already have an application submitted, text messaging works to update them on their application status so that they can move forward quickly in the appropriate direction.
5. Reconnecting with Past Clients
Anyone who has ever been involved in the hiring process has had the experience of having a past client with the perfect qualifications but wasn’t the right fit for a job you referred them to.
In this case, recruiters should always make a point of re-connecting with past clients to see if they’re still interested and show them some exciting opportunities. It’s also a great way to let them know about events and training in their designated career field.
Here are a couple of sample messages for these situations:
- Hey (name)! I know we haven’t talked in a while, but we had a meeting on (date). We are having a career fair at (place) on (date) and would love to follow up with some details on that career assessment we were working on. If you’re interested, let’s schedule a time, or just drop by to say hello. We’d love to see you again!
- Dear (name). How are you? It was great meeting you today. I’m going to email you the copy of the writing test that we discussed today. Please reach out with any questions. Good luck!
Text Messaging Best Practices
Getting people’s permission before you send a text is imperative, no matter what the purpose is. This is especially the case if you’re working with international clients who might be subject to protection from the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). Be sure to check regulations on all sides before starting any campaign — if you advertise without permission, you could be in hot water. It’s also important to keep in mind that you have to follow very specific guidelines before putting people on an outreach list. Learn more about SMS compliance and the role it plays in marketing campaigns here.
If you want to be confidential, of course, phoning is the best. But text messaging is a great way to initiate conversations that are a mix of personal and business. The main goal is to make clients comfortable while maintaining efficiency and trust.
Want to learn how to get more out of your business with automated text messaging systems? Sign up for a demo today or contact us if you have any immediate questions.