Applicant Status Messaging Preferences

Our Automatic Applicant Status Messaging feature helps employers to communicate clearly with their Applicants about the status of their application.

As a recruiter, you can create custom messages that are automatically sent based on the Applicant's status in Handshake. Automatic messages can be configured for applications that are:

• 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.

Choose your message preferences 

1. Click on your name in the upper-right corner of the screen, then click User Settings. 

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

3. Click the dropdown, located below each of the statuses, 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 your custom message 

1. Click the tabs above the message box to create your custom message per status (Pending Message, Reviewed Message, Declined Message). 

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

3. Enter the custom message in the body section of the Message box. Use the formatting options above the text box for additional customization. 

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

4. Click the blue 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, the best case thing to do is duplicate the job – this creates a new job tied to your 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 to a job, their status is automatically set to Pending, so this message is sent as soon as the application is submitted. 

Here's an example of how this message appears:

"Hi [NAME], 

Thank you for applying! We have received your application and will be reviewing it shortly. 

Best, 

[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. 

Here's an example of how this message appears:

"Hi [NAME], 

Thank you for your interest!

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!"

Declined

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

Here's an example of how this message appears:

"Hi [NAME],

Thank you for your interest and application. 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,

[NAME]"