Texting and the Hiring Process
In addition to conversations with recruiters, text job interviews are becoming more commonplace. Some companies even handle the entire process through text messaging. Christian Mairoll, CEO of Emsisoft, says, “We’ve been a fully-remote company for years and, during that time, have always interviewed via text. No face-to-face meetings or even voice calls. Text-only. And we find this to be enormously beneficial. As almost all our communication is via Slack, written communication skills are far more important than verbal skills." Review advice on how to make the best impression when you’re text messaging or interviewing with a recruiter or hiring manager.
How to Text With a Recruiter
Communicating through text poses unique challenges, since the medium, by its very nature, demands that one be concise and to the point. So, how do you ensure that you can present yourself as positively as you might in an email (where you can go into more detail) or on a telephone call (where the tone of voice and enthusiasm can easily be conveyed)? Follow these strategies:
Keep a Professional Tone
You will show yourself at your best if you maintain a degree of formality and professionalism in all your communications with a recruiter, regardless of the tools you are using. Many use a casual tone for texting their friends and family. You need to take it up a notch when you’re communicating with a recruiter or any other professional connection.
Don’t Initiate Contact by Text
Generally, you should not be the one to initiate contact with a job recruiter or potential employer through a text message. Send your initial job application and resume through traditional channels, and communicate afterward via email or phone as warranted. Your follow-up after a job interview should not be sent by text, either—not only is this poor manners, but texting doesn’t allow you the message length you’ll need to create an effective and eye-catching “thank you for our interview” letter that will enhance your hiring prospects. However, if a recruiter reaches out to you by text, then they will expect a text in return.
Keep it Professional
Once a recruiter has established that he or she prefers to communicate through text, it’s time to think about your language and phrasing. Your text message should be correct in every detail and as carefully written as any business communication with someone you don’t know well.
Spell out all your words, using no abbreviations or acronyms.Don’t use any emoticons or emojis unless the recruiter does so first.If you have a text “signature” that is sent at the bottom of every text message, make sure it’s appropriate for use in professional communication.Check and recheck your spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and watch out for autocorrect errors.Because texting, like phone conversations, is “real-time” communication, only send your text to a recruiter during normal business hours.
Get Your Message Across
You want to keep your text message as short as possible, but don’t be afraid to convey information that will heighten the recruiter’s interest in you.
Express enthusiasm for the opportunity you’re writing about, just as you would in person.Briefly mention your qualifications or experience that make you ideal for the job.Before you hit send, check that you’re sending the text to the right person.
Be Ready to Respond
After you send your text, make sure you’re ready to respond as needed.
Promptly reply to any questions asked by return text.If the recipient responds at all, a simple “thank you” for the response can be a polite gesture.Make sure your voicemail message sounds professional, just in case the person decides to call you back rather than texting.If you prefer contact by text, consider writing “Text Messages Accepted” next to your cell number on your resume.
Text Message Example
Above all, don’t worry that following these rules will make you sound like a cold fish. Your first few contacts with a job recruiter should show that you understand how to be professional. And that’s true no matter what tools you use to communicate.
Benefits of Text Job Interviews
There are benefits for job seekers, as well. Mairoll notes, “Text-based interviews are less stressful and enable candidates to talk without the performance-impacting nervousness that some experience during other forms of interviews. This means we get to ‘see’ who they really are. Furthermore, as we’re blind to things like disability, race/ethnicity, religion and, in some cases, even gender, our selection is entirely based on merit.” Since texting is a bit more immediate than emails or written communication, it can mean the interview process will move a bit faster. But unlike phone or in-person verbal communications, candidates can think through their responses for a few minutes (or hours) before sharing them.
Tips for Handling a Text Job Interview
You’ve just been invited for a text interview. Now what? What’s the best way to handle it?
Keep it Short
In a text-based interview, you don’t have to be verbose. In fact, being succinct and to the point is a very effective way to communicate, especially via text. Choose your words wisely. It’s even more important to get to the point during a text-based interview than during a phone screen. Don’t reiterate what’s already on your resume. Instead, spend time explaining why you’re passionate about the line of work, what drives you, and how your previous professional experiences tie into the role you’re exploring.
Take Your Time
A major benefit of text-based interviews is that they give you time to craft a well thought out response. Don’t be afraid to take the time you need to articulate your message. Text interviews remove some of the pressure to think on your feet, affording you a chance to put your best foot forward—something especially appreciated by introverted candidates. Taking the time to compose a well-written and convincing argument for why an employer should hire you is in your best interest and makes the decision process easier for the interviewer.
Be Business Casual
Even though the interview is taking place via text, you can still use it as an opportunity to show off your business personality. If a recruiter sends you an emoji, consider it a positive sign that they’re trying to build a friendly rapport and put you at ease. Don’t be afraid to insert an emoji (after the recruiter does, so you know it’s acceptable) to add a personal touch. This can be a great indicator of how you’ll fit into the company’s culture. It’s important to talk about who you are professionally, but adding some hints about who you are outside of work can be the difference between getting a job offer and getting a rejection.
Ask Questions
A text interview may seem like a preliminary step to a phone or in-person interview, but don’t let that deter you from getting as much information upfront as possible. Be sure to ask for information such as the job description, office perks, team off-sites and outings, and benefits packages. It shows initiative that you are genuinely interested in the work environment and company brand. It will also help you ensure that the job is real and you’re not being scammed.
