Texting: A powerful recruitment tool for Millennial and Gen Z candidates
The survey found that 86%* of candidates felt positive about texts received during the interview period. In a generation where texting is second nature, these statistics shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.
What’s the appeal of a text message?
It’s a way of engaging with candidates via technology they use naturally, making your comms a bit more informal and relaxed. Plus, it can position you as a forward-thinking, technology-minded employer.
What’s more, SMS has a 98% open rate,** and lends itself to instant recruitment communications, rather than traditional calls and emails. And speed is important; 74% of the survey’s respondents turned down a job opportunity because of a delayed offer.
How can you use it?
Text messaging can be a useful tool in your recruitment process in many ways. You could send interview reminders, confirm interview attendance using two-way SMS technology, or send candidates useful information like instructions for getting to their interview location or a friendly reminder of who to ask for when they arrive.
What other techniques are there to help recruit and retain Millennial and Gen Z jobseekers?
Be authentic
Avoid trying to ‘speak their language’. Using slang in recruitment communications can come across as patronising and leave your candidates cringing. Instead, remain authentic and use every communication as an opportunity to reflect your company ethos.
Get social
Social platforms can be a great way to improve your reach, particularly with younger generations. Twitter, for example, is increasingly being used as an effective tool to circulate job vacancies and promote employer branding.
There’s no ‘one size fits all’
It’s important to note that not all Millennials and Gen Z candidates will think in the same way. Techniques that work with some may not work with others, so steer clear of pigeon-holing or stereotyping jobseekers.
What’s vital is that you consistently reflect your employer brand, and ultimately work to attract employees that will be a great cultural fit for your workplace.
*The 2017 Yello Recruiting Study **Techipedia
Find out more
Discover more alternative candidate communication tools
Wrapped up in a handy infographic, read our tips on engaging passive candidates
Find out more from Hireserve’s own Millennials
About the author
Tristan Potter
Tristan has a decade's worth of experience writing content and copy for organisations across Bristol and the Southwest of England. He has written on a diverse range of topics, including technology, philosophy, politics, and recruitment. His writing has appeared in The Drum, HR Grapevine, and The Guardian, among other publications. He joined Hireserve in March 2022.