.svg)
Unlock the power of text recruiting with our unbiased review of the top platforms for SMBs—all without the sales pitch!
I haven't integrated texting into our applicant tracking system for small businesses—yet.
While I strive for all of my content to be unbiased and truly helpful, the fact that Truffle isn’t a text recruiting platform means this list of the 4 most popular recruiting platforms remains free from what I’ll call “my unconscious bias.” Basically, I’m not selling anything here.
This gives me a unique perspective on the text recruiting software market, allowing me to provide my opinions as both a recruiter and someone who runs a software company.
This is exactly what this guide does.
I’ll give you my two cents on the benefits of text recruiting services, highlight the four dominant players in the space, and share some insights on how AI is influencing the evolution of text recruiting.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of the landscape—without any sales pitch attached.
Think of text recruiting platforms as the bridge between recruiters and candidates in an era where no one picks up the phone. These platforms let hiring teams send and manage SMS conversations at scale, making it easier to reach candidates where they actually respond: their text messages.
There are three types of text recruiting tools:
If texting is your primary recruiting channel, a dedicated platform makes sense. If it’s just one part of your hiring strategy, an ATS with built-in texting might be enough.
The key is choosing a tool that matches how you actually engage with candidates, not just adding another feature you’ll barely use.
Text recruiting offers a quick and convenient way to connect with candidates, allowing them to respond at their own pace. Here are the benefits of using text recruiting platforms from over a decade using them.
As shown in the feedback from candidates, texting helps improve communication, allowing recruiters to reach out effectively without disrupting the candidate’s workflow or personal time.
This flexibility can increase engagement and response rates, especially with candidates who are often on the go.
Recruiting is as much about intuition as it is about process. In my experience, it’s the human touch that makes a difference—especially when navigating post-interview communication.
For instance, when I’ve built a rapport with a candidate, I’ll send a simple text like, “Hey [Name], just wanted to let you know that I’ve reached out to [Hiring Manager] about your interview. I’ll call you tomorrow with the schedule.”
This direct, casual approach creates a sense of personal connection without overwhelming them.
Texting makes scheduling interviews faster and more efficient.
Candidates can easily respond to availability via text, eliminating the back-and-forth of email threads or phone tag.
This convenience speeds up the process, allowing recruiters to lock in interview times quickly, all while respecting candidates' busy schedules.
Not all text recruiting platforms are created equal.
Many solutions on the market are designed for large enterprises or high-volume hiring, not for small businesses looking to maintain a personal connection with candidates.
That's why I’ve outlined the key criteria that make a great text recruiting platform for small businesses: easy-to-use interfaces, true two-way communication, seamless integrations with other tools, affordability, and scalability. You should also look for:
These platforms aren’t just about sending out text messages and enable real conversations between recruiters and candidates.
And as with any modern solution, compliance with regulations (like registration with The Campaign Registry) is critical to ensure smooth operation.
Now, let’s dive into the best text recruiting platforms that check all the boxes for small businesses.
Here are the four most popular text recruiting services on the market right now.
TextRecruit is built to streamline candidate engagement directly from your ATS. It automates text messages, which reduces manual follow-ups and speeds up interview scheduling.
You can set up personalized, automated texts and easily schedule interviews without leaving the platform.
This integration makes it a great option for teams already using iCIMS but may not be the best choice for SMBs using other ATS systems. If you’re looking for a fully integrated SMS recruiting tool and are already on iCIMS, TextRecruit is a solid, time-saving solution.
Custom pricing based on recruiter seats and text volume (typically from $50/user/month).
TextUs excels at real-time texting with candidates, offering a user-friendly platform to manage both bulk messages and personal conversations. It integrates well with popular ATS systems, allowing you to text directly from candidate profiles.
Small businesses will appreciate the straightforward interface, though the higher price point could be a consideration for those just starting. TextUs is a strong choice for SMBs that need both personal and mass communication, especially if you’re already using an integrated ATS.
From $300/month for basic plans (one user, core features).
Grayscale specializes in automating candidate engagement, from follow-up texts to interview scheduling. With integrations to major ATS systems, it enables mass texting while maintaining personalization. Its flexibility is great for high-volume hiring, but the platform may require a bit of setup. SMBs should consider whether the investment makes sense for their needs, especially if they expect to scale recruitment efforts.
Custom pricing based on volume and features.
Jobvite Text is ideal for SMBs already using Jobvite ATS. It integrates directly into the Jobvite suite, allowing recruiters to schedule interviews and text candidates from within the same platform.
Text-to-Apply and mass messaging features make it a good fit for businesses with a steady volume of applicants. However, SMBs not already on Jobvite may find the pricing prohibitive.
Jobvite Text is part of Jobvite’s ATS solution, pricing based on your Jobvite plan.
To truly make it work for you, it needs to be delivered effectively, ethically, and personally. By mastering compliance, deliverability, and personalization, you can craft recruiting messages that not only reach candidates but also engage them in a meaningful, respectful way.
Before sending any recruiting text, ensure you have clear, documented consent. This isn't just a legal requirement—it's an opportunity to build trust with your candidates.
Implement opt-in processes on your career site and application forms, and maintain detailed records of consent.
When candidates know exactly what they’re signing up for, they’re more likely to engage—and less likely to feel blindsided by unsolicited messages.
To ensure your texts land in the right inbox and get the attention they deserve, crafting compliant messages is essential.
Always clearly identify your company in each text, include opt-out instructions, and keep your messages concise and relevant.
Avoid using commercial URL shorteners, which can trigger spam filters. This helps your message stand out as legitimate, making it less likely to be flagged as spam while keeping you on the right side of legal guidelines.
Allowing candidates to opt-out of text communications isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a way to respect their preferences.
Implement automated systems that process opt-out requests immediately, and make sure your team is trained to honor those requests promptly.
Sending a confirmation text after someone opts out is crucial—it shows that you respect their wishes and ensures your brand maintains a reputation for being considerate and transparent.
Sending candidate texts at the right time is essential to achieving high response rates. Aim to text candidates during business hours, and be mindful of their time zone.
Also, avoid overwhelming candidates with messages—too many texts can lead to frustration and opt-outs. Use automation tools to schedule messages at optimal times, ensuring your texts are well-timed and well-received.
Personalized texts stand out in crowded inboxes. Address candidates by name, mention specific job openings, or reference previous interactions to make your message feel more tailored.
Using templates that auto-populate with details can save time without sacrificing that personal touch.
Personalized messages not only build rapport but also increase the likelihood of a response, making your outreach more impactful.
To continuously improve your text recruiting strategy, it's essential to track performance metrics. Regularly review delivery, response, and opt-out rates to understand what's working and what's not.
Conduct A/B tests with different message formats and content to optimize performance. Stay updated on industry benchmarks to refine your approach and ensure your texts are as effective as possible.
Compliance management tools can take the guesswork out of staying compliant. Automate opt-out processing, consent management, and use AI-powered content checkers to flag non-compliant message content before it’s sent.
This not only saves you time but also ensures you stay on top of legal requirements and carrier rules, letting you focus on building relationships with candidates without worrying about the details.
In this guide, we've explored the top text recruiting platforms and highlighted the key benefits they offer to SMBs.
By integrating text recruiting, businesses can improve communication, improve candidate engagement, and enhance efficiency—without overwhelming candidates.
Whether you’re looking for a dedicated platform or an ATS with built-in texting, the right solution depends on your unique hiring needs.
By staying compliant, respecting candidate preferences, and optimizing message delivery, you can maximize the potential of text recruiting, while building stronger connections with your future hires.
Everything your small business needs to hire faster (and better)
Create and test your new AI hiring co-pilot for free. When you’re ready to set your job live, plans start at just $49/mo.
Try us freeThe best recruiting software for small businesses