Applicant Status Messaging Preferences

With our Status Messaging feature, employers can clearly communicate with their applicants about their application status.

Recruiters can enable and create custom messages that are automatically sent based on the applicant's status in Handshake. Automated messages can be configured in three stages:

• Pending (as soon as the application is received) 
• Reviewed (when you view the applicant's profile, download their application documents, or manually mark them Reviewed)
• Declined (when the Applicant's status is set to Declined)

For more information about managing your applicants, refer to Job Applicant Management Guide.

Set your status messaging preferences 

1. Click on your name in the top-right corner of any page, then select User Settings from the dropdown. 

2. Click Status Messaging Preferences from the menu on the left of the page. 

3. Click the dropdown below each status to choose a messaging preference. 

• Pending (Application Received) 
  
  • Automatically send Pending message 
  • Do not send a message 
• Reviewed 
  • Automatically send Reviewed message 
  • Do not send a message
• Primary/Alternate
  • Handshake will email students to choose an interview slot (based on interview settings)
• Declined
  • Ask to review/edit Declined message before sending
  • Automatically send Declined message
  • Do not send a message
• Hired
  • No message will be sent automatically

Create custom messages 

1. Click the tabs above the message box to create your custom message per status. 

2. Enter the desired subject line in the Subject field.

3. Enter the custom message in the body section of the Message box. Additional formatting options can be found above the text box.

• Tip: click Insert Variable to have the student's name and job title automatically filled in the email.

4. Click the blue button Save Default Message in the lower-left corner to save.

Note: messaging preferences are based on the job post creator. If another user extends the expiration date or reposts the job, the messages will continue to be generated based on the original creator's preferences.

If different preferences or custom messages are desired, we recommend to duplicate the job – this creates a new job tied to your user account, and therefore, your message preferences and custom language. 

Student experience 

Below is an example of each of the Status Messaging emails sent to students: 

• Pending (Application Received)
• Reviewed
• Declined

Pending (Application Received)

When a student applies for a job, their status is automatically set to Pending. This message is sent as soon as the application is submitted.

The message in the email will read:

"Hi [NAME], 

Thank you for applying to [COMPANY NAME]! We have received your application and will be reviewing it shortly. 

Best, 

[COMPANY NAME]"

Reviewed

When an applicant's profile is viewed from the Applicant page, their document is downloaded, or their status is manually updated to Reviewed, the Reviewed message is sent. 

The message in the email will read:

"Hi [NAME], 

Thank you for your interest in [COMPANY NAME].

We have reviewed your application for [job title]. If your experience is a good fit for this role, we will be in touch with information about next steps. 

Thank you! 

[COMPANY NAME]"

Declined 

When an applicant's status is changed to Declined, the Declined message is sent. 

The message in the email will read: 

"Hi [NAME],

Thank you for your interest and application to [COMPANY NAME]. Unfortunately, we have decided not to move ahead with your application for the role at this time.

Please do not hesitate to reach out in the future if we have another role you think could be a fit for you.

Best,

[COMPANY NAME]"