In today's competitive hiring market for manufacturing talent, speed is your secret weapon. The best candidates are often on the market for a very short time, and the employer who responds fastest frequently wins.
Candidates today expect timely communication. A slow response doesn't just frustrate applicants; it sends a message that you aren't serious about hiring them. This can cause you to lose top talent to competitors who are quicker to engage.
The 24-Hour Rule
Most candidates expect to hear back about an application within 24 hours. FactoryFix data consistently shows that faster response times lead directly to higher candidate engagement and better hiring outcomes.
Texting is Your Accelerator
The most effective way to maintain speed is through text messaging.
- Read Rates: Texts are read almost instantly.
- Response Times: Text messages get replies in an average of 90 seconds, compared to 90+ minutes for email.
FactoryFix is built to leverage this power, initiating conversations with candidates via SMS to create immediate engagement.
Best Practices for Speed
- Acknowledge Applicants Quickly: Aim to engage with promising candidates in your 'Engaged' pipeline within the first 24 hours.
- Keep Candidates Updated: Even a quick message like, "Thanks for your interest, we're reviewing your qualifications and will be in touch shortly," can keep a candidate engaged while you evaluate their fit.
- Leverage the FactoryFix Thread: Keep communication within the platform to take advantage of the speed and responsiveness of SMS.
Speed isn't just a "nice to have"—it's a critical component of a successful recruiting strategy. Prioritizing quick, text-based communication will help you secure the best talent before someone else does.