Using Text-to-Apply to Reach Passive Candidates and Fill Jobs Faster

Imagine a potential candidate is shopping, passing by a “Now Hiring” sign, but they’re not actively looking for a job. Yet, if given a simple way to apply—such as sending a quick text—they might just take that step. That’s how Text-to-Apply can transform the hiring process, especially when it comes to reaching passive candidates who aren’t actively job-hunting but are open to new opportunities.

Text-to-Apply opens the door to these potential hires by making the application process as effortless as possible. In high-turnover industries like retail or hospitality, this is a game-changer. Instead of relying solely on active job seekers, you now have a tool to engage those who might be curious about new roles but aren’t willing to spend time filling out lengthy online forms. Research shows that 70% of the workforce is composed of passive candidates—people who are open to offers but aren’t actively looking for jobs. Reaching them requires a simple, frictionless application process, and Text-to-Apply delivers just that.

For example, one large retail company integrated Text-to-Apply and saw a 40% increase in applications from candidates who weren’t previously looking for work. Many of these applicants were passive candidates, intrigued by the ease of applying and the potential for a new opportunity. By simply sending a text, their application was submitted, and their information entered seamlessly into the company’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

And that’s where CloudApper AI comes in. It’s not just about adding a texting feature—it’s about integrating that functionality with your existing recruitment system. CloudApper AI easily connects Text-to-Apply with platforms like Workday, UKG, or ADP, allowing you to capture candidate information, screen applicants, and schedule interviews automatically. The time saved by reducing manual tasks lets recruiters focus on engaging these passive candidates more personally.

Think of the typical hiring cycle for passive candidates. Normally, they might come across a job posting, think about applying, but then get distracted by a complex process. With Text-to-Apply, that interest is captured in real-time. They send a quick text and receive a prompt to complete their basic details—no fuss, no delay. And with CloudApper AI, their data is automatically transferred to your ATS, making follow-ups and interview scheduling easier for HR teams.

For one food service company, this approach meant they could reach candidates during lunch rushes or off hours when people weren’t necessarily looking for a job, but the convenience of texting made them apply on the spot. After implementing Text-to-Apply with CloudApper AI, they saw a 30% reduction in time-to-hire, allowing them to fill roles faster and reduce the strain on their current employees.

In a competitive job market, speed matters. If your recruitment process is slow, passive candidates will likely move on before completing an application. Text-to-Apply changes that by speeding up the process and making it easy for candidates to engage right away. And when combined with CloudApper AI, it automates the recruitment process end-to-end, making sure no lead is lost and no manual task bogs down your team.

By making the application process convenient, Text-to-Apply helps businesses reach passive candidates, fill jobs faster, and stay ahead in the race for talent. With CloudApper AI, you can integrate this powerful tool into your existing systems and simplify the entire hiring process—from first contact to final offer.