At Grayscale, we see a lot of recruiting text messages come through our system. And what we've noticed over time is some convert much better than others. 

With the help of our clients, we've pulled together a list of the most frequently used, highest performing texting templates.

Without further ado, here are 10 stress-tested templates to help you hit the ground running. 🤓

Texting can be extremely useful for getting the word out about open jobs. 

With one text, you can get the word out to dozens, even hundreds of candidates, all at once.

Create a list of candidates and send a personalized bulk message using a template like this:

Hey {{ profile.first_name }}, a [position name] role in [city] just opened up and I thought of you. I'd love to connect to discuss the role. Do you have some time [day/time of day] for a quick chat?

You can leverage Grayscale's Chrome extension for candidate sourcing.

Simply open the extension, the candidate's info is automatically imported, hit 'save', and start texting. 

Here's a sample template to use in your cold sourcing outreach: 

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}, I came across your resume on [job board] and thought you'd be a great fit for our [job name] role at [company name]. Would you be open to a quick call to discuss details?

Text message is a powerful tool for pre-screening and interviewing candidates. 

When you screen candidates via text, there's no scheduling required. It's quick and efficient, but you're still having a conversation and building rapport with the candidate. 

Here's a great template to use to kick off a texting interview: 

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}! My name's [recruiter name] and I'm a recruiter here at [company name]. Thanks for applying for our [position name] role. To keep things convenient and efficient for you, the first step in our process involves answering a few follow up questions via text message. You can answer them whenever you get a free minute throughout your day. Ready to get started?

Send a text to stale candidates in your ATS to re-engaging them and update their status.

Try creating a list of stale candidates and sending a bulk message like this: 

Hi{{ profile.first_name }}, [recruiter name] here from [company name]. Curious if you're still open to exploring [job name] openings? If so, we have a new position I'd love to share with you. Let me know!

Texting can be an effective tool for scheduling interviews with candidates, regardless of your current scheduling workflow.

You can set up an automated message to go out via stage change from your ATS. Here's a template to test out for this: 

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}, we're excited to move you forward in our hiring process. The next step is an on-site interview at our corporate office. How does your schedule look over the next few days?

Here's another example for how to schedule a phone screen through our Calendly integration: 

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}, I’ve reviewed your resume and would love to schedule a few minutes to discuss the [position name] role. You can find 30 minutes that work for you here: [calendar snippet].

If you're leveraging scheduling capabilities from your ATS or a 3rd party platform (GoodTime, etc.), we recommend setting up an automation in Grayscale so the candidate gets a text with a status update and instructions on next steps. For example:

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}, we're excited to move you forward in our process. The next step is a [interview type] with the [recruiting/hiring team]. Please be on the lookout for an email requesting your availability. Text me if you have any questions!

Having an issue with interview no-shows, or simply looking to make a good first impression with candidates? Sending an automated interview reminder via text can be an extremely useful tactic. 

Set up an automation in Grayscale to go out 24 hours before your interviews. Use a template like this to create a highly personalized experience every time:

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}, looking forward to your interview for the {{ job.name }} position with {{ interview.team }} at {{ interview.start_at }}. If you can't make it or have any questions, please reply and let me know.

It can be extremely valuable to get feedback from candidates right after their interview, and texting can be the perfect channel for this. 

Set up an automation to trigger a text like the one below right after the interview wraps. This gives a high touch feel for the candidate and helps you surface any issues immediately.

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}, I hope your interview went well with {{ interview.team }} this afternoon. Still interested in moving forward with the {{ job.name }} position?

Next time you get an employee referral, try reaching out via text message. On average, referrals will respond 6x faster and twice as often when engaged via text versus email.

To get started, try out a message like this: 

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}, my name's [recruiter name] and I’m a recruiter at [company name]. [Referrer] passed along your info and mentioned you'd be a great fit for a [position name] role with us. Any interest in a quick chat?

Are hiring events or campus recruiting a part of your recruiting strategy? If so, after your next event, test sending a text message follow-up to candidates.

Just upload a csv of candidates from the event, save them all to a new list, create a personalized message, and send a bulk message to all of them at once.

Here's an example:

Hey {{ profile.first_name }}, it was great meeting you at the [college / event] career fair. Let's schedule time to discuss your skills and career interests. You can find a time that works for you here: [insert calendar snippet]
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Texting can be a very powerful onboarding tool, ensuring the highest touch experience for your new employee.

To get started, schedule a message like the one below to be sent before a candidate's start date.

Hi {{ profile.first_name }}, we're very exited to have you as a part of the [company name] team! 🎉 Your start date is [start date]. We'll be sending you an onboarding packet shortly via email. Please complete it and get it back to us as soon as you can. If you have any questions before your first day, please feel free to text me!

Take these templates, make them your own, and save them in your Grayscale account for quick access. 

If you have questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out! You can chat with us below to discuss best practices!

Happy text recruiting! 🚀