In the fast-evolving world of CDL driver recruiting, many traditional processes feel outdated. While some recruiters may assume drivers prefer older methods of communication, in reality, most drivers are just like other job applicants and expect a modern, efficient application experience.
That’s where text messaging comes in. This communication tool has quickly become popular among recruiters as a way to connect directly and promptly with candidates, making it easier to foster quick responses and build rapport.
Did you know that the average American checks their phone more than 144 times a day? Texting is an excellent way for recruiters to ensure their messages get seen and responded to quickly. For CDL drivers, text messaging can cut through the noise, boost response rates, and improve the journey from applicant to employee.
Here are five tips for truck driver recruiters who want to add text messages to their communication strategy with CDL driver candidates.
1. Get Candidate Consent to Text
To avoid coming across as spammy or intrusive, make sure candidates know you’ll be texting them as part of the application process. When candidates are aware that text messages are part of your communication strategy, they’re less likely to feel uncomfortable or confused when they receive one. As a best practice, always ask for permission – not forgiveness – when using text messaging, and make sure to include a qualifier like your company name or your first name to establish credibility. This approach respects candidates’ preferences, gives them control, builds trust, and shows you value their time and personal space.
2. Be Patient – Don’t Expect Immediate Replies
CDL drivers are no strangers to the dangers of texting and driving, and they understand the risks better than most. When texting a driver, don’t expect an instant response – they may be on the road. To make things clear, start your message with a note like, “If you’re on the road, please wait to respond.” Since text messaging is still a relatively new recruiting tool in this industry, it’s a good idea to explain your communication protocol so drivers know when and how to engage with you.
3. Keep It Short and Professional
When texting CDL driver candidates, it’s best to avoid long-winded questions or complex discussions. Instead, focus on quick yes-or-no questions or simple informational messages. Maintain a professional tone and avoid common slang or abbreviations (like “LOL” or “IMO”) and double-check for spelling, punctuation, and capitalization errors. Remember, this is a professional conversation on an informal, casual messaging platform.
Use your work device or ATS for text messaging, rather than a personal cell phone. Using a work-approved platform ensures your messages are recorded in your system, which is important both for professional boundaries and legal reasons. With DriverReach, you don’t even need your phone to send text messages! You can send them through the platform, so it’s even easier to maintain professional communication at all times.
4. Track and Store All Messages for Compliance
Visibility is crucial in a streamlined recruiting process, and that includes text messages. An effective Applicant Tracking Solution (ATS) should integrate text communications so all team members can see the full picture of each candidate’s journey. Tracking and storing all text interactions not only helps ensure that messages aren’t lost but also assists with compliance and auditing requirements. Using a centralized system keeps everyone aligned and provides a single source of truth.
5. Use SMS to Boost Completed Applications
Nearly 60% of job applicants don’t finish their applications. For carriers and fleets, this abandonment rate impacts the bottom line when it comes to realizing a return on hefty marketing, advertising, and recruiting costs. However, we also know that once a driver starts an application, 53% of the drivers end up completing the app later.
To increase the number of drivers completing applications, a best practice is to use text messaging as a core part of your recruiting workflows. With text messaging as part of the recruiting toolkit, there’s a potential to engage and encourage drivers to complete their applications without relying on emails or phone calls alone.
DriverReach’s SMS features make it easy to communicate with candidates directly and securely, boosting the chances of application completion. All messages are stored in an activity timeline, and consent is built right in. Take a look at how seamless the SMS process is with DriverReach:
DriverReach Makes SMS Recruiting Simple
Communicating with truck driver candidates for your fleet is a lot easier with DriverReach. Our platform is an ATS & CRM for the trucking industry. That means carriers and fleets use modern software tools to make the recruiting and compliance process easy and error-free.
Text messaging can be a powerful addition to your recruiting toolkit, helping you build stronger relationships with driver candidates and improve conversion rates. With these tips in mind, you can communicate effectively while respecting candidates’ time and professional boundaries.
Ready to learn more about truck driver recruiting best practices and how DriverReach improves key recruiting metrics like time to hire and cost per hire? Schedule a demo with our team.
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