How Job Seekers Feel About Recruiter Text Messaging

Recently, I retweeted a lengthy article from technology reviewer Software Advice about recruiter text messaging and whether or not job seekers prefer this method of communication. I thought it was fascinating research, so today I’d like to summarize some of those findings for you here.

First off, research indicates that as many as 60 percent of recruiters now use text messaging to communicate with job candidates as part of their process. In fact, I’ve suggested it myself in this blog. And, I still maintain that text messaging CAN be a great way to communicate with candidates. However, as with so many things in life, the adage “know your audience” must be considered when using text messaging. (NOTE: The report from Software Advice assumes that job seekers have opted-in to receiving recruiter text messaging – if you have not EXPLICITLY obtained permission to text your job seekers, don’t do it!)

Here are a few of the most important take-aways:

Job seekers under the age of 45 mostly consider recruiters who send text messages professional (43% of respondents). Only 30% of job seekers aged 45-54 consider text messaging professional, and for candidates 55 or older, it dropped to a paltry 17% of respondents.

graph courtesy of: Software Advice

Next, even though recruiter text messaging is considered ‘professional,’ there are NO scenarios in which a job seeker PREFERS text messaging over other methods of communication. Job seekers are most agreeable to receiving a text message to confirm a job interview, but even then only 21% of respondents prefer this. For six common scenarios—initial outreach, to obtain additional information, to tell them about a job opening, to schedule an  interview, to confirm a job interview time, and to follow-up post-interview—job seekers STRONGLY PREFER  to be contacted via email or phone. Recruiter tip: don’t use text messaging for messages that are lengthy, or require two-way conversation.

graph courtesy of: Software Advice

Software Advice also asked job seekers if there were any scenarios in which recruiter text messaging is completely inappropriate. Survey responses varied widely for this question, often based on personal preference. However, 24% of job seekers do not want to receive texts during non-business hours. One respondent defined that as anything earlier than 9AM or later than 5PM, while another indicated that only texts received in the middle of the night would be considered “non-business hours.” Eleven percent of survey respondents indicated that interview follow-up should not be delivered via text messaging. For starters, the follow-up is often too lengthy for a single text message. Furthermore, it’s fairly normal to have some back-and-forth conversation about the follow-up. Text messaging is not a great medium for detailed conversations. If there is negative feedback to share, my opinion is that should ALWAYS be delivered in a phone call.

In conclusion, recruiter text messaging is an acceptable communication method. Recruiters are advised to be sure job seekers have expressly opted-in to receiving text messages. It is also a good idea to ask job seekers to indicated their PREFERRED communication mode. Pay attention to time of day, don’t send lengthy texts, and pick up the phone EVERY TIME the conversation warrants it.

What is your experience with text messaging?