How to Fill Job Openings with Text-to-Apply

Text messages have over a 95% open rate. 

The average email open rate is somewhere between 28% and 33%, according to Hubspot. 

If you're trying to grab someone's attention and get a response, text messaging is the clear winner. That's why more and more businesses are using text to attract candidates and nurture them through the application process. 

How it works

For the most part, you will need to sign up for a recruiting tool or applicant tracking system that offers text-to-apply features. When you create a job, your system of choice will produce a shortcode or an inbound texting number. You can then use that number on all of your job listings and advertisements as a way for candidates to kick off the application process with a simple text. 

Now, let's dive deeper into the mechanics.

What really goes on behind the scenes is once someone texts your recruiting number, they are connected with a chatbot that walks them through a series of application questions. The candidate can respond to every question directly through text, and the completed application is then relayed to you, the employer. 

When you create a job, you can also add custom pre-screening questions to the application. If the candidate answers correctly, they will be prompted to schedule an interview instantly. That way, you can focus your time and energy on qualified candidates only.

Featured resource: How to Automate Your Hiring Process

What are the benefits of text-to-apply

There are various ways employers and recruiters can benefit from an easy application process, but a few that stand out the most are:

• Increase in completed applications
• Convenient communication and better response rate
• Enhanced applicant experience
• Competitive edge over companies hiring for similar positions

Increase in completed applications

The convenience of texting also leads to more completed applications. According to CareerBuilder, 60% of job seekers abandon online applications because the process is too lengthy and complicated. A convoluted application process that doesn't match the skill level of the job is a quick way for them to lose interest. 

Convenient communication and better response rate

Think of text-to-apply as meeting your candidates where they already are. You can reduce the friction of applying for a new job by bringing the conversation to a convenient location- their text messages.

Candidates often complain about feeling "ghosted" by employers who make no effort to follow up or respond to questions— but through the use of chatbots, you can automatically check in with your applicants and give them periodic updates. 

Enhanced experience for the applicant

Mobile continues to surpass desktop usage, and job seekers heavily rely on their smartphones and tablets to search for and apply for jobs. If your website isn't optimized for mobile, you can expect candidates to drop off quickly.

Competitive edge over companies hiring for similar positions

An easy application process might just be the edge you need in a competitive job market. If 60% of job seekers abandon applications because the process is too long and challenging, text-to-apply will feel like a breath of fresh air.