Globally companies are increasingly turning to WhatsApp to connect with customers and are now using it to streamline recruitment as well.

 

But why?  The benefits are substantial!

With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app globally. In South Africa alone, user numbers are expected to reach approximately 28 million by 2026. WhatsApp provides a platform that candidates understand, use daily and are comfortable with, making it an ideal channel for recruiting.

Tip: Make sure your WhatsApp Business account is verified. The verified badge helps candidates know it’s authentic and not a scam.

Benefits of using WhatsApp as a Recruitment Tool:

WhatsApp allows you to share job information and connect with candidates effortlessly, making communication simple and effective.

On average, people check WhatsApp around 23 times a day, meaning your messages are likely to be seen and responded to quickly, resulting in a high engagement rate. Communicating with applicants through a familiar app can also help expedite the  recruitment process,  making hiring faster and more efficient.

With a WhatsApp business profile, you can provide essential information about your company, including a link to your career page, which offers candidates a direct path to learn more about the job opportunity.

You can set an automated away message to inform candidates when you are unavailable, so they know when to expect a reply, adding a professional touch to your communication.

Scheduling interviews is also  effortless with WhatsApp,  as you can send reminders to candidates to  keep them organised and informed.

WhatsApp is ideal for reaching younger candidates, especially Gen Z, as they tend to prefer WhatsApp over email or phone calls.

Using WhatsApp chatbots to automate conversations to handle frequently asked questions, can save time for your recruitment team, while also providing a streamlined way for team members to collaborate and coordinate efforts.

Leveraging WhatsApp’s potential in recruitment:

Facebook or Social media integration – when creating a job ad on Facebook, you can add a ‘send WhatsApp Message’ button to make it easy for candidates to contact you directly from the ad.

WhatsApp chatbots can be used to conduct initial candidate screening by gathering basic information and assessing the information.

You can also request documents and verify authenticity directly within the app. Additionally, share onboarding documents and other important resources with new hires.

Enabling WhatsApp on your website allows for instant communication with potential candidates who may have questions.  If needed WhatsApp can be used to conduct video interviews.

You can create a QR code for job applications, which simplifies  the application process and encourages candidates to apply directly.

The WhatsApp broadcast feature enables you to send bulk messages, allowing you to keep candidates updated on job opportunities or recruitment events.

Using WhatsApp for recruitment can improve candidate engagement, streamline the hiring process and reach a broader audience.  Integrating this tool into your recruitment strategy will enhance communication and attract top talent.

References / Source:
Emissary.ai
Trengo.com
ISmartRecruit.com
Zoho.com