How to Set Up Text to Apply for Your Job Opening

SMS recruiting is the future. 

If you don’t believe us, consider recruiters’ experience at the global technology firm, CDW.

The average response time to its texts is three minutes. The open rate with texting is five times CDW’s open rate with e-mail, and the opt-out rate for text is 25 times lower than it is for e-mail.

All that translates to over 4,200 hours saved for its recruitment team.

It’s why the Washington Post wrote an article titled, “Your Next Job Interview May Start With a Text.” Recruiters across the country are realizing the many benefits of texting.

If you’re intrigued, there are many ways that you can introduce SMS into your recruitment strategy. 

One of the most popular and straightforward ways to get started is Text to Apply. In the following article, we cover:

• What Is Text to Apply?
• Why Use Text to Apply?
• How to Set Up Text to Apply 
• FAQs About Text to Apply

What Is Text to Apply?

Text to Apply–also known as Text to Hire–enables applicants to text a keyword to a phone number and receive an automatic response with a direct link to an application, a document outlining the role, or a link to more information. 

Here’s an example of Text to Apply in action.

If someone texts “chicken” to 555888, they could receive a response like this.

Why Use Text to Apply?

Over 18 billion text messages are sent every day, so it’s hardly surprising that it’s the most prevalent form of communication for American adults under 50.

That’s why it’s convenient for jobseekers––they’re already texting all the time. With no app to download, the application process is simplified, and applicants are just a message away. 

The convenience speeds up information sharing and generates faster candidate responses. It’s not the only reason why you should add it to your recruitment process––it’s also:

• Personal: When someone texts in your keyword, you can respond and communicate one-on-one with them. 
• Modern: It’s an excellent way to show job candidates that your company is modern, responsive, and approachable.
• Low pressure: Sometimes filling out a lengthy job application seems like a significant commitment. Texting is efficient, can be done on-the-go, and doesn’t require a considerable time investment.

It’s particularly useful for hiring processes where:

• People aren’t at a desk, such as in retail or hospitality. Recruiters can include text-to-apply instructions in physical locations.
• Hiring managers are doing high volume, competitive, or rapid recruitment.
• Recruiters with existing access to print and advertising budgets, signs, billboards, and subway ads.

How Does Text to Apply Work?

Text to Hire is straightforward to set up and works in the same way as Text to Join. If you want to try setting up Text to Apply for your job opening, you can sign up for a free 14-day trial. 

1. Create a Keyword and Add It To Your Job Ads

A keyword is a word or phrase that jobseekers text to your phone number to receive an automated response. They also agree to receive future texts from your team.

For example, a coffee chain asks jobseekers to text the keyword “BARISTA” to their number. (Keywords shouldn’t have spaces and can’t contain special characters.) 

Here’s a two-minute video that explains how easy it is to create a keyword. 

2. They Receive an Automatic Response

After a candidate texts the keyword “BARISTA,” they’ll receive an automated response. There are different ways that you can approach your autoresponse:

• Use this message to share a link to an online application.
• Share a link to schedule a phone screen.
• Screen candidates by texts either automatically using our data collection feature or by using template texts from the inbox.
• Send a PDF via text with more information on the role.
• Automatically collect email addresses.

What you decide will depend on the role, your hiring process, and how quickly you need to hire. 

3. Advertise Your Text to Apply Keyword

The more places you advertise your keyword, the more applications you’ll receive. You can promote your keyword on social media, in physical locations, on your website, and anywhere candidates interact with your brand.

FAQs About Text to Apply

Hopefully, we’ve done a good job of answering all your questions about Text to Apply. In case we’ve missed something, here are some additional questions recruiters often ask. 

If the answer you’re looking for isn’t here, we would be more than happy to help. Just use the chat at the bottom of your screen.

How much does Text to Apply software cost?

The cost of a Text to Apply campaign depends on the number of candidates who text in your keyword. The good news is the more candidates you get, the cheaper each SMS is. Our lowest plan is $25 and comes with 500 SMS, a toll-free number, dedicated support 7 days a week, and unlimited Text to Apply keywords.

Is it possible to integrate SimpleTexting with my applicant tracking system (ATS)?

There are several ways you can integrate SimpleTexting with your ATS. Our SMS API or Zapier integration are the two most common methods.

How else can I use text recruiting software?

Recruiters also use SimpleTexting to schedule interviews, follow up with candidates, manage referrals, and reengage a database of candidates.

Are there any laws and regulations I should be aware of?

When advertising Text to Apply keywords, you need to ensure that you include your campaign purpose, message frequency, info about message and data rates, plus a link to your terms and conditions and privacy policy. 

Get Started Today With Text to Hire

The best way to see how SimpleTexting can work for you is to request a demo or sign-up for a free trial. 

Alternatively, if you still have other questions about Text to Apply, our team of experts would love to help. We’re available seven days a week. Text or call us at (866) 450-4185 or use the chat at the bottom of your screen.