Floating it back up
Hi {{name}}, just floating my earlier message back up. No pressure at all. A yes or a no is enough, and I'll stop if it's a no.
Candidate not replying: 13 follow up texts for recruiters
You sent a good message and heard nothing. A quiet candidate is usually busy, unsure or has moved on, and a pushy second text turns a maybe into a block. The right follow up is short, kind and easy to answer with one word. These 13 messages cover the first nudge, a new angle, a way to say no, the quiet after an interview or an offer, and the last message that leaves you on good terms. Use them only with people who agreed to be texted. Copy any message, or add all 13 to your keyboard and send them from iMessage, WhatsApp, LinkedIn or SMS in one tap, in any app.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.
First nudges
A different angle
{{name}}, maybe the timing was off. The role is still open, and I can send the details in two lines. Want them?
Pick your channel
Hello {{name}}, would email be easier than text? Tell me which you prefer and I'll use only that.
What I left out
Adding what I left out, {{name}}: the pay range and location are in the listing. Maybe that settles it either way.
Going cold in the process
After an interview
Hi {{name}}, I have not heard back since your interview. Are you still interested? An honest answer helps me, even if it is no.
After an offer
{{name}}, your offer letter went out last week. Did it reach you? Tell me if you need more time or have questions.
A held time slot
Hi {{name}}, I held {{time}} for you but have not heard back. Shall I keep it or release it?
Check the number
Hi {{name}}, I'm not sure this number is the best way to reach you. If it is not, tell me and I'll delete it.
Closing and coming back
After a week of silence
It's been a week, {{name}}, so I'll assume the role is not right for now. I'll close your file unless you tell me otherwise.
The last message
Last one from me, {{name}}. If you want to talk, I'm here. Otherwise I won't write again, and I wish you luck with the search.
Reopening later
Hello {{name}}, we spoke a while ago. A new role opened that is close to what you asked for. Open to a short look?
Closing the loop
Thanks for letting me know, {{name}}. I'll close your file. Good luck out there.
Short check on interest
{{name}}, one question: still job hunting? A thumbs up or down is plenty.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Three days after the first text | Floating it back up | One nudge. |
| A few days later | A different angle | Smaller ask. |
| A week after an interview | After an interview | Honest answer wanted. |
| A week after an offer | After an offer | Check that it arrived. |
| A week of silence | After a week of silence | Close the file. |
| Your final message | The last message | Then stop. |
Do not say
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you (a bought list, or a number copied from a profile).
Instead: Text only people who applied or told you they are fine with texts, and honor stop.
Asking about age, family plans, religion, origin or health in a text.
Instead: Ask about the job: skills, schedule, location and the pay range.
Sending one pasted message to a whole list.
Instead: Type each message yourself, one candidate at a time, with their name.
Guilt, such as "I thought you were serious about this".
Instead: Say the role is open and leave the choice with them.
Texting every day.
Instead: One nudge after a few days, a last one a week later, then stop.
Texting again after they said stop.
Instead: Stop at once. One short confirmation is the most you should send.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes. 12 of these 13 templates use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The other 1 uses two blanks, and filling both from the keyboard needs Pro. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so the six essentials fit. Importing all of them also works, because imports are never blocked and nothing is deleted.
Do I need permission to text a candidate?
Yes. Text only people who applied, replied to you or told you they are happy to be texted, and send each message yourself, one person at a time. Honor "stop" at once. Say in your first message that they can tell you if they'd rather not get texts. The US rules on texting are in the FCC's guide to unwanted robocalls and texts.
Can I send these in WhatsApp, iMessage or LinkedIn?
Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so it works in every app where you type: iMessage, WhatsApp, SMS, LinkedIn, Messenger and Instagram. Add the messages once and tap to insert them.
How many times should I follow up?
Two nudges and a last message is a fair limit. The first three templates cover the nudges and "The last message" ends it. After that, stop unless they write first.
What if they ask me to stop?
Stop at once and do not text again. A single short reply confirming you've removed them is fine, nothing more.