A week to go
Hi {{name}}, one week to go. Your start time and first day plan are in your email. Anything missing, tell me.
Day one onboarding texts: 13 messages for new hires
The offer is signed, but the hire is not secure until they walk in on day one and feel looked after. A few well timed texts do a lot: where to go, what to bring, who to ask, and a check in when the day is done. These 13 messages cover the week before, the night before, the morning, the first week, and what to say if the start date moves. They stick to the logistics and the written offer. Send them to new hires 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.
Before day one
Paperwork reminder
{{name}}, for the employment forms on day one, bring the identity and work documents you choose from the list in your welcome email. Ask me if anything is unclear.
The night before
Hi {{name}}, big day tomorrow. Arrive at the time in your email and ask for me at reception. I'll be there.
If the start moves
Hi {{name}}, something came up and we need to move your start to {{date}}. I'm sorry for the change. Your offer terms stay as in your letter.
Day one
Good morning
Good morning, {{name}}. Welcome to day one. Your manager is ready to meet you. I'm around if you need anything.
The address
{{name}}, the address is {{address}}. Parking is in the visitor lot. Message me if you're lost.
Remote link
Hi {{name}}, your link for the first day call is {{link}}. Join five minutes early. We'll go through the plan together.
Setup ready
Hi {{name}}, your laptop and login are set up at your desk. If something does not work, tell me and IT will fix it today.
Lunch
Lunch is on us today, {{name}}. Someone from the team will take you. Tell me about any food needs and I'll pass them on.
First days and weeks
End of day one
Hi {{name}}, how was day one? Tell me honestly what was confusing. I'll fix what I can.
Day three
{{name}}, quick check in: do you have what you need to do your job? Tell me what is missing.
One week in
Hello {{name}}, one week done. I'd love five minutes to hear how it's going. When is good?
From the team
{{name}}, the whole team is looking forward to meeting you. Nothing to prepare. Just come as you are.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| A week before | A week to go | Check details. |
| Three days before | Paperwork reminder | List the documents. |
| The night before | The night before | Give a time. |
| Day one morning | Good morning | Short and warm. |
| That evening | Lunch | Ask what was confusing. |
| After the first week | Day three | Book five minutes. |
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.
Asking about pregnancy, childcare or health before the start.
Instead: Talk about the start time, the location and the work.
Promising terms that are not in the written offer.
Instead: Say that your offer letter lists the terms.
Suggesting the job is secure before checks are complete.
Instead: Say what steps remain, plainly.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes. 10 of these 13 templates use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The other 3 use 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.
What should I send the night before?
The time, the place and a person to ask for. The "The night before" template does exactly that.
What if the start date changes?
Tell them as soon as you know and say the offer terms are unchanged. The "If the start moves" template is for that.