When it comes to texting candidates through the ATS, a little compliance goes a long way. If you're used to blasting out messages in bulk, hold that thought—our SMS provider has some rules we must follow, and so does the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We’re here to help you stay on the right side of both.


In this article, we’ll walk through:

  • What you can do

  • What you definitely shouldn’t

  • And a much better way to reach lots of candidates without violating terms of service or trust.

Step-by-Step: How to Text Without Getting in Trouble

DO: Text Candidates Thoughtfully

  • Send personalized messages to individuals, not a big list.
  • Use texting for critical touchpoints like interview confirmations or follow-ups.
  • Keep it short, relevant, and professional.

For a full walkthrough on enabling and using SMS in our system, check out: How to Enable and Use SMS Messaging


DON’T: Mass Text

  • Our SMS provider does not allow mass texting and will only work within compliance of the FCC rules. 

  • That’s why you don’t see a “bulk SMS” option in the ATS like you do for email. You know the saying, "It's a Feature, not a Flaw"? This applies here as it’s an intentional safeguard to help you stay compliant.

A Quick Note on the Law


The FCC regulates bulk texting under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Here’s the gist:

  • You must have clear, written, voluntary consent from each person before sending them marketing or recruitment texts.

  • Consent can’t be bundled with a purchase or job application. They must select their Contact Preference as SMS during their applicant process in order to allow SMS messages to be sent from the ATS.

  • Messages must include a way to opt out, and you must clearly identify yourself or your company.


Failure to follow these rules doesn’t just risk your texting access—it can open the door to legal consequences.

Pro Tip: Use Email Templates for Bulk Communication

Need to send the same message to a bunch of candidates? Use our bulk email tool instead.

  • You can personalize emails with tokens like first name, job title, etc.

  • It feels personal to candidates, but it’s safe and compliant.


Learn how to send bulk emails with this guide: Send a Bulk Email Message


Why It Matters

  • Helps you avoid SMS violations with our provider and with the FCC.

  • Keeps your outreach polished and professional.

  • Builds trust with candidates by treating their communication preferences respectfully.

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether a message is compliant or want help building out your email templates, our support team is just a click away.