A majority of IT decision makers with hiring authority, 67%, use texting as a way to coordinate interviews with prospective job candidates, according to research by Robert Half Technology, a division of Robert Half International Inc. (NYSE: RHI). In addition, 48% of US workers polled by the company have received a text message from a potential employer.
“Managers are taking steps to speed up the recruiting process,” said Ryan Sutton, a district president of Robert Half Technology. “Using texting as part of your hiring efforts may mean the difference in getting to your top candidate first and fast, especially at a time when they could be receiving multiple offers.”
Still, Sutton cautioned managers and potential employees to text wisely and watch their etiquette.
The company offered three texting tips for hiring managers:
- Ask permission. Verify candidates are open to text messaging.
- Save it for simple communication. Text are ideal for scheduling interviews or following up but aren’t appropriate for more involved discussions such as job offers and salary negotiations.
- Reach out during business hours. Avoid texting at night or on weekends to demonstrate respect for work-life boundaries.
Robert Half’s surveys for the research included more than 1,000 workers over 18 years old in the US and more than 2,800 IT decision makers in 28 major US markets with hiring authority.
