Understanding SMS and Text Keywords

SMS (Short Message Service) refers to text messaging, which allows you to send messages of up to 160 characters to mobile devices. It’s a simple and effective way of communicating short, direct messages. We recommend using keywords to streamline communications opt-in. A text keyword is a unique word chosen by a business that users can send to a customer’s text number. By texting the keyword, customers or employees opt-in to receive messages and join an SMS distribution list for further communication or campaigns.

Advantages of Using Text Messaging

SMS for Recruiting: Text messaging can significantly enhance the recruitment process by improving communication speed and engagement with candidates. Here’s how SMS can streamline your recruitment efforts:

• Faster recruitment process: Text messaging expedites the hiring process.
• Personalized communication: Communicate with job candidates in a personalized way via SMS.
• Better message visibility: Unlike emails, which often end up in spam, text messages have a near 100% open rate.
• Discreet job search: Many employees are job hunting while still employed; SMS offers a more private communication option.

SMS for Employee Communications: Text can be a very effective way to convey short, urgent, or time-sensitive messages to your team.

• Higher engagement rates: Text messages are more likely to be read and responded to compared to emails.
• Instant communication: Text is ideal for last-minute meeting updates or urgent announcements.
• Timely, relevant information: Ensure employees have the info they need to make informed decisions about benefits.
• Reduced confusion: Simplify information delivery with text reminders or quick updates.

Attracting Qualified Candidates

Why should you use text keywords in recruitment? Studies show that 70% of job seekers use mobile devices to explore career opportunities, and 23% of mobile searches for jobs include the word “job.” Here’s how to make the most of text keywords for recruitment:

• Create keywords for job openings: Develop specific keywords for each role (e.g., “ACCOUNTANT”) and invite applicants to text these keywords to receive job notifications.
• Spread the word: Advertise your job keywords across various platforms like social media, your website, and job boards to maximize reach.
• Provide more info via text: Encourage candidates to text for additional information about the position and application process.
• Ask questions and schedule interviews via text: Text messaging allows for efficient pre-screening and scheduling. Automated reminders can reduce no-shows.
• Maintain contact: Keep in touch with candidates who weren’t hired by sending them periodic updates on new job openings.

SMS for Enhanced Recruitment

Recruiting the right candidates is a key business function. Mobile devices have become the go-to platform for job seekers, with 70% of applicants preferring to apply for jobs via their phones. Here’s how text messaging can streamline your recruitment:

• Save time with automated texts: Simplify the administrative tasks, like sending interview reminders, confirming paperwork, and updating applicants.
• Keep candidates informed: Share news, updates, and next steps through text messages, tailored to the job keywords they’ve opted into.
• Engage with two-way communication: Address questions, concerns, or scheduling conflicts promptly via two-way SMS.

SMS for Efficient Employee Training

Employee training can be more effective with SMS. By utilizing text messages for study materials, policy updates, and surveys, HR departments can enhance their training programs:

• Send study materials: Share onboarding materials in advance to help new hires get up to speed quickly.
• Survey employee proficiency: After training, use SMS surveys to gauge how well new employees have understood their roles and the company culture.
• Distribute policy updates: Ensure all employees receive and understand policy changes by sending text notifications with direct links to updated documents.

SMS for Open Enrollment Efficiency

Effective communication during open enrollment can save time and reduce errors. With text messaging, you can ensure higher engagement and awareness compared to traditional email methods:

• Promote open enrollment with text keywords: Use text keywords to alert employees about open enrollment, ensuring high engagement and nearly 100% message visibility.
• Cut costs: Bulk text messaging is an affordable, efficient alternative to expensive printed materials or time-consuming phone calls.
• Remind employees: Send mass reminders about deadlines and available benefits using text messages, which have a significantly higher read rate than emails.
• Share mobile links for benefits: Provide links to benefit plans through text, making it easier for employees to review their options.

Optimizing HR Operations with SMS

Streamlining HR processes with SMS communication can significantly reduce the time spent on routine administrative tasks:

• Instant announcements: Use text for last-minute updates or policy changes, ensuring employees receive information promptly.
• Payroll reminders: Send reminders for timesheet submissions or direct deposit notifications.
• Boost morale: Send motivational messages or recognize achievements through text.
• Critical alerts: Implement an emergency text system to keep employees informed during critical events or emergencies.

Clear, Concise Messaging for Employees

SMS is ideal for delivering essential information because of its brevity and immediacy. To ensure messages are effective:

• Keep it simple: Text messages should be clear and to the point, without overloading the reader with unnecessary content.
• Targeted messages: Collect relevant data from employees to send personalized information that’s useful to them, such as details about their role or benefits.
• Maximize readability: Text messages are read quickly, ensuring employees can absorb crucial information almost immediately.
• Streamline feedback: Collect feedback on training, policies, or company events via text surveys, making the process quick and convenient for employees.

SMS for Emergencies, Alerts, and Safety

HR departments play a vital role in communicating safety protocols and emergency procedures. Using SMS to alert employees in critical situations ensures they receive vital information immediately:

• Emergency alerts: In case of emergencies, SMS can be used to send immediate updates, safety procedures, and status reports to ensure employee safety.
• Instantly reach employees: Texting allows you to quickly find a replacement if an employee cancels a shift, helping to keep operations running smoothly.

In conclusion, adopting SMS as a communication tool in HR processes offers a myriad of benefits, from improving recruitment efficiency to enhancing employee engagement and safety. By integrating SMS into your HR strategy, your department can operate more smoothly and efficiently, fostering better communication and a more connected workforce.

Still Have Questions?

Follow the practices above to improve client engagement and watch satisfaction rates soar! And check out our other articles for more advice on specific industries and use cases.