Slow communication is the main reason recruiters lose good candidates. Emails remain unopened, and calls go unanswered or straight to voicemail. You sent an email to the best candidate, followed up twice, and heard nothing back. Reason? That candidate is checking job offers on the phone, not in an email inbox. That’s why recruiting text message examples are becoming essential for every hiring stage.
According to a survey report from GlobeNewsWire , recruiting text messages generate an average response rate of 37%, compared to 8.5% for outreach emails. Even top-quartile SMS programs reach response rates above 56%. Additionally, 86% of Gen Z and millennials appreciate text messages being part of the recruitment process. This clearly shows that a candidate who does not answer your call at 3 PM on Wednesday will see your text and respond within minutes.
Text messaging works at each stage of hiring. You can use it for first contact, reminders, interview scheduling, onboarding, and more. The only trick to success is knowing what to say and when to say it.
This guide gives you recruiting text message templates for each stage of the recruitment process. Copy them, personalize as needed, and start engaging with candidates through quick replies.
TL;DR
- Text messages boast almost 98% open rates and a 45% response rate, both higher than email.
- Text messages reach candidates faster and more reliably, as almost 98% of US adults own a mobile phone and 91% of them have smartphones.
- Obtain express written consent before sending text messages to a candidate and follow TCPA rules to stay compliant.
- Keep the SMS character limit in mind and aim for text messages under 160 characters.
- Personalize each template before sending to candidates.
- Send recruitment text messages during business hours and consider the candidate’s time zone.
- Textdrip helps you send, manage, and track recruitment text messages from one shared inbox.
Where Do Recruiting Text Messages Fit into the Hiring Process?
Recruiting text messages help candidates move from one hiring stage to the next by handling time-sensitive interactions that might otherwise slow down the hiring process.
The main stages of the hiring process where recruitment SMS can be helpful are as follows.
Before the Interview
The first opportunity to use recruitment text messages is after a candidate expresses interest or applies for the position. A short text message can confirm interest, start a screening conversation, and help in scheduling the interview. Some common use cases include:
- Answering common questions about the role or hiring process
- Confirming whether a candidate is still interested or not
- Asking for candidate availability for an interview
- Sending an interview scheduling link
- Confirming a selected interview time
Between the Interview
Once a candidate enters the interview process, recruiters can use SMS for timely follow-ups to maintain momentum. Text messages can confirm upcoming interviews, send reminders, inform candidates about the next step, or request missing information.
After the Interview
This is the point in the hiring process where candidates are often left waiting. A short text message can acknowledge the interview, let the candidates know when to expect an update, provide a status update, or request additional information.
During the Offer or Onboarding
SMS is helpful even after the candidate is hired. Recruiters can let new hires know when their offer is ready, remind them about outstanding steps, share first-day instructions, and confirm their start date.
Keep in mind that recruitment SMS should complement, not replace, other communication channels. Detailed offers, document details, policies, disclosures, or anything requiring a signature should remain in the appropriate document, recruitment platform, or email.
With these use cases in mind, here are some ready-to-use recruiting text message examples for each hiring stage.
Stage 1: Recruiting Text Message Examples for Candidate Outreach
Not every text message is for an active application. You can use recruiting texts for sourced candidates or for those you have connected with in the past who are a great fit for a specific role. You can even use SMS to reach current employees when a new role opens. A specific, low-pressure nudge will earn a good response rate far more often than a generic email.
Hey [Candidate Name]! This is [Your Name] from [Your Company Name]. I came across your background in [industry] and thought you would be a great fit for [role]. Available for a quick chat? Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Hi [Candidate Name]! A new role is open at [Company Name], and based on our past conversation, I understand it matches your background perfectly. Want to know more? Reply YES to learn more.
Hello [Candidate Name]! We’re hiring for [Role] and thought of your network. Refer someone who would be a great fit and get a referral bonus. Reply STOP to opt out.
Stage 2: Recruitment Message Samples for Application and Screening
This is the stage where most candidates go quiet. Sending a short acknowledgement text when you receive the application keeps a candidate from assuming their resume has disappeared into a portal. You can even use recruitment texts to let a candidate know that their resume stood out and was selected for phone screening. You can also send them a phone screen reminder or a missed screening follow-up.
Hey [Candidate Name]! Thank you for applying for [role] at [Company Name]. Your application is currently being processed, and we’ll follow up by [Date]. Reply STOP to opt out.
Hi [Candidate Name]! Your resume is quite impressive. Can you do a 15-min phone screen this week? Reply with a suitable day and time, or call [phone number]. Reply STOP to opt out.
Quick Reminder: [Candidate Name]! Your phone screen for [Role] is scheduled today at [Time]. We will call you at [Phone Number]. Reply if anything changes.
Hey [Candidate Name], we tried calling you for the phone screen but missed you. If you are still interested, let us know a suitable time, or we will assume you’ve moved on.
Stage 3: Recruitment Message Example for Interview Scheduling
You can use recruitment text for an interview invite, an interview confirmation, an interview reminder, or to reschedule an interview. This is the stage where text messages move faster because candidates don’t want a long email chain. They expect to confirm from their phone.
Hey [Candidate Name]! You’ve been selected for an interview round for [Role] at [Company Name]. Are you available on [Date] at [Time]? Reply with your preferred date and time. Reply STOP to opt out.
Hi [Candidate Name]! You’re confirmed for an interview for [Role] at [Company Name] on [Date] at [Time]. Reply YES to confirm and STOP to opt out.
[Candidate Name], this is [Name] from [Company Name]. Your interview is scheduled with [Company] tomorrow at [Time] at [Location]. Bring your valid ID. Let us know if anything changes. Reply STOP to opt out.
Hey [Candidate Name]! We need to move your interview to [New Date/Time]. Does that work for you? Reply YES to confirm.
Stage 4: Recruiting Text Message Template for Interview Follow-up
The silence between hiring stages is frustrating, and text messages help combat it. You can use a short text message to update a candidate on the status of their job application, whether they’ve qualified for the next round or have been rejected.
Hi [Candidate Name]! A quick update on your [Role] application: we’re still finalizing interview panels. You can expect the next step by [Date]. Thanks for your patience.
[Candidate Name], congratulations! You’re moving to the next round for [Role] at [Company Name]. We will contact you within [Timeframe] to schedule.
Hey [Candidate Name], thank you for applying to [Company Name] for [Role]. Unfortunately, we won’t be moving forward at this time, but we encourage you to apply for future roles that align with your experience, skills, and background.
Hi [Candidate Name], thank you for interviewing for the [Role] at [Company Name]. After careful consideration, we’ve decided to move ahead with a different candidate. It was a genuinely close call, and we’d love to stay in touch for future openings.
Stage 5: Recruitment Message Samples for Offers and Preboarding
Sometimes offers sent by email remain unopened, and candidates prioritize opening a text message regarding an offer. You can pair an email with a text nudge to shorten the decision window without pressuring the candidate. You can use recruitment text messages to send offer alerts, deadline reminders, paperwork reminders, and follow-ups.
Hey [Candidate Name]! Congratulations! You’ve secured [Role] at [Company Name]. Check your email for complete details. Reply if you have any questions.
Hi [Candidate Name]. Your offer for [Role] at [Company] is open through [Date]. Let us know if you need more time to decide.
Hey [Candidate Name]! Welcome aboard! Your start date is [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. Bring [item names]. Reply if you have any questions.
Hi [Candidate Name]! You’re almost set to join on [Date]. Your documents are still pending. Please upload them to [Link] by [Deadline].
Stage 6: Recruiting Text Message Examples for Candidate Experience
Most recruiting funnels measure only what happens along the way, but you can use text messages to learn about the candidate experience: how they felt about a new job, an interview, or their current role. Even if a candidate declines your offer, you can send a short text to close things out respectfully.
Hi [Candidate Name]! Thanks for interviewing for the [Role] at [Company]. On a scale of 1 to 5, how was your interview experience with us? Reply with a number; we’d love your feedback.
Hey [Candidate Name], thank you for letting us know you’ve chosen a different path. We enjoyed getting to know you and would welcome hearing from you if your plans change.
Hi [Candidate Name]! It’s been almost a month since you joined us. How is it going so far? Reply anytime if anything isn't working or you need anything from us.
Stage 7: Recruitment Message Example for Talent Pools and Hiring Events
Sometimes recruitment updates need to reach talent pools rather than a single candidate. In these cases, you can use bulk texting to inform your saved candidate list or a specific candidate segment.
Hi [Candidate Name]! A new [Role] at [Company Name] has opened that matches your background and skills. Interested in hearing more? Reply YES, and we’ll follow up.
Hey [Candidate Name], [Company Name] is hosting a hiring event on [Date] at [Time], at [Location] for [Role]. Stop by anytime between [start] and [end].
Stage 8: Recruiting Text Message Template for Staffing and Recruiting Operations
Use text messages to inform placed candidates about schedule changes, timesheet reminders, or shift confirmations and to keep hiring managers in the loop on interview changes.
Hi [Employee Name]! You are confirmed for a shift on [Date] from [start] to [end]. Reply YES to confirm.
Hey [Employee Name]! Your timesheet for the week is due by [Deadline]. Submit it at [Link] to avoid a delay in pay.
[Manager Name], the interview time with [Candidate Name] has been changed to [New Time]. Reply YES to confirm.
Stop Watching Best Candidates Go Cold With Textdrip
Compliant and engaging recruitment text message examples save you time and keep candidates engaged at every hiring stage. If you wait an hour to reply, a competitor will probably text your candidate first. Communication channels like emails and phone calls alone cost you good hires. The recruitment text message templates covered in this blog help you at every touchpoint. Mix and match them to fit your hiring process.
However, sending them manually one by one won’t work. You need a dedicated platform like Textdrip to help. Textdrip lets you save every recruitment text message sample above as a reusable template, schedule interview reminders, and text candidates in bulk. You can set up drip SMS campaigns , schedule sends, and trigger auto-replies based on keywords. This way, no candidate will slip away, and you will get quick replies, fewer no-shows, and more placements.
Book a demo today to see how easy it is to keep candidates engaged from the inbox you already use.
FAQ's
How long should a recruiting text message be?
You should keep a recruiting text short, crisp, and concise by keeping the SMS character limit in mind. Keep it under 160 characters.
Can I use these recruiting text message templates as-is, or should I edit them?
You should personalize these recruiting text message templates according to your hiring process and candidate details.
Do candidates actually reply to recruiting texts?
Yes, candidates reply to recruiting texts, but reply rates vary by context. Cold first-touch outreach sees different reply rates than messages to already engaged candidates.
How many times should I follow up with a candidate by text?
You should send 2 to 3 follow-ups, spaced a few days apart. After that, stop. If you send more follow-ups than that, it can irritate candidates, and they start to feel like spam.
