SMS surveys let you ask candidates for feedback in a quick, direct way. Text messages reach people almost at once, and they tend to open them more often than email. When you use SMS polls in your hiring steps, you can learn what candidates think while the experience is fresh. In this article, we explain five simple methods to use SMS surveys for faster feedback.
Why SMS Surveys Matter
Fast Response Rates
Most people read a text in minutes. Email can sit unread for hours or days, but a text often gets attention right away. Fast replies mean you can fix small problems before they grow.
Higher Completion Rates
Short polls sent by SMS tend to get more answers. Candidates are more willing to tap a quick link on their phone than open an email with a long form. Better completion gives you more data to work with.
A Personal Touch
A text feels more personal than an email blast. When you ask by SMS, it can feel like a one-on-one chat. That friendly tone helps candidates speak up and share honest notes. For more best practices on texting in hiring, see the SHRM guide on text messaging in recruitment .
Introducing Survale for SMS Feedback
To set up SMS surveys smoothly, use a tool like Survale.com. With Survale, you can trigger a text message at any step of your hiring process, collect answers in real time, and see results on a single dashboard. This helps you act on feedback right away and keep your process moving without delay.
1. Pick the Right Moments to Send SMS
After Application Submission
Once someone finishes your online form or uploads a CV, send a short SMS poll. Ask one or two clear questions, like “Was our application form easy to use?” This step gives insight into how smooth your first touchpoint is.
After a Phone Screen
When a candidate wraps up a call, send a text with a rating scale and an open field for notes. Ask if the call felt fair and if the interviewer was clear. Quick feedback here can help you coach your team.
After an In-Person or Video Interview
Right after a live talk, timing is key. Send your SMS within two hours so the memory is fresh. Ask about the length of the talk, clarity of questions, and any areas to improve. These insights can point out issues in scheduling or prep.
2. Keep Surveys Very Short
One to Three Questions Only
Long surveys kill response rates. Stick to at most three questions. A mix of a rating scale (for example, 1–5) and one open-ended question works well. Short polls show you respect the candidate’s time.
Clear, Simple Wording
Use plain language. Instead of “How would you evaluate the usability of our ATS interface?” say “Was our application page easy to use?” Simple words get clear replies.
3. Use Automated Triggers
Link Your Systems
Tie your ATS or scheduling tool to your SMS platform. When a status changes—like “phone screen done”—the system can send the text automatically. This cuts manual work and makes sure no one is left out.
Follow-Up Reminders
If a candidate does not reply in 24 hours, send one gentle reminder. A note like “We value your thoughts. Please share feedback here” can boost your completion without feeling pushy.
4. Time Polls for Maximum Impact
Send Within 48 Hours of the Event
Send SMS polls within two days of each step. After that, details fade. Quick timing means you capture real thoughts and avoid vague replies.
Avoid Odd Hours
Send texts in work hours, such as 9 AM to 6 PM local time. Outside this window, messages may be ignored or seen as spam.
5. Close the Feedback Loop
Share Insights with Hiring Leads
Gather SMS replies, then share top results with your recruiters and managers. A weekly snapshot of average scores and top comments keeps your team aware of gaps.
Act on Candidate Notes
If a candidate says “I waited too long for a reply,” look at your scheduling steps. Maybe send faster updates or use a chat tool. Small fixes, shown by next SMS scores, build trust in your process.
Conclusion
SMS surveys give you fast, clear insights into candidate views. By sending a small number of quick questions at key steps, you show you value their time. Tools like Survale automate the process, so you never miss a chance to learn. Use these five methods to speed up feedback, improve your hiring flow, and keep candidates feeling heard. Over time, simple SMS polls will help you find and fix gaps, making your process smooth and inviting for every person who applies.
