Staffing providers can use texting and emailing technology in various ways to assist with talent acquisition, onboarding, employee communication and more, according to SIA’s “Candidate Engagement Tools: Texting & Emailing Technology” report, which discusses the latest trends of this rapidly expanding market.

“Texting and emailing are quickly becoming the communication methods of choice for temporary workers, particularly those in healthcare and industrial roles,” said Kevin Chen, research analyst at Staffing Industry Analysts. “Texting/emailing software designed for talent acquisition can make it easier to reach these candidates and improve the hiring process for both candidates and staffing agencies.”

According to SIA research, 98% of staffing firms planned to use such technology in 2022, ranking as the second-most widely used technology after online job advertising tools. In addition, 60% of temporary workers would prefer to be contacted via email or text, including 30% who wish to be texted — a drastic increase from only 6% in 2015.

The technology enables organizations to send candidates text messages and emails in an automated fashion, with messages scheduled to send at certain times and to specified candidates. Individual conversations are tracked in a central inbox for recruiters to easily access and respond to. Texting/emailing technology also typically feature data analytics that firms can use to measure the effectiveness of a messaging campaign, recruiter productivity and impact of the texting/emailing platform itself.

The automation aspects of the technology can increase productivity and efficiency. In addition, by sending messages in a format preferred by candidates, organizations can increase the likelihood a candidate will open and read the message, potentially increasing open rates, engagement and, ultimately, placements.

Texting can also be a great way to ensure messages are read and not flagged by spam detection algorithms, according to the report. However, firms must comply with SMS regulations — which play a crucial role in reducing the amount of spam texts when sending texts — so that SMS remains a trusted channel of communication.

Corporate members can access more information in the full report, which also includes a directory of recruitment-focused texting platform providers.