The Enduring Power of Text Messaging in Hiring
Imagine this: a recruiter posts a job on a Monday morning. By Tuesday afternoon, a qualified candidate has seen the listing but doesn’t act because life gets busy. But when that same recruiter sets up a text message to go out to qualified candidates—“[Company Name] is hiring and we think you’d be a great fit for our [Job Title]. Click here to learn more and apply.”—the candidate sees it instantly and applies before the end of the day.
That’s the power of text recruiting.
At Nexxt, we’ve seen how impactful it can be to reach people where they are and more than ten years since we’ve introduced the ability for employers to text with candidates, it’s still going strong. More than 10 million candidates have opted in to receive text messages on behalf of our clients. These aren’t cold contacts or spam messages—they’re real job seekers who want to hear about opportunities in the most direct way possible: on their phones. In fact, 76% of candidates want to hear from employers via text about job opportunities.
Why Texting Still Works
- Unmatched visibility: Texts boast an incredible 97% open rate. Your message almost always gets seen.
- Faster responses: Research shows that 90% of text messages are read within three minutes of being received (CTIA.org). That speed can make the difference in a competitive hiring situation.
- Convenient for candidates: A short, personalized message feels approachable and easy to engage with.
- Strong engagement: Recruiters often see high response rates, which helps speed up the early stages of hiring.
A Piece of the Bigger Picture
Of course, texting isn’t meant to replace job postings or email marketing. It’s most effective as part of a multichannel strategy.
Think of it this way: job search sites build awareness, email helps share details, and texting provides the instant nudge that sparks action. Together, they create multiple touchpoints that match the way people actually search for and respond to jobs.
For example, a candidate might discover your role online, receive an email outlining responsibilities and benefits, and then get a text that reminds them to apply. Each channel plays a role, but texting often provides the push that closes the loop.
Why Employers Choose Nexxt
When you text candidates through Nexxt, you’re not guessing at who might respond. You’re tapping into:
- A trusted network of over 10 million opted-in candidates.
- Built-in compliance, since candidates have requested to receive messages.
- Speed to hire, with responses often coming in hours, not days.
Meeting Candidates Where They Are
Recruiting is, at its core, about connection. Candidates want to hear from employers in ways that are convenient, respectful, and engaging. And with most of us glued to our phones, texting is one of the simplest ways to start that conversation.
So, the next time you’re mapping out a hiring campaign, consider how text messaging could fit alongside your job postings and email outreach. It could be the key to reaching the right candidate at just the right time.
Nexxt is a leading HR technology company that uses today’s most effective marketing tactics to reach candidates at scale. Learn more about hiring with Nexxt.