---
title: Creating an SMS template
description: Save short text messages with merge fields to reach candidates quickly.
---
[Skip to content](https://knowledge.avahr.com/creating-an-sms-template#main-content)
English
Show submenu for translations
- [Tickets](https://23869753.hs-sites.com/tickets-view)
- [Sign out](https://23869753.hs-sites.com/_hcms/mem/logout)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- [Tickets](https://23869753.hs-sites.com/tickets-view)
- [Sign out](https://23869753.hs-sites.com/_hcms/mem/logout)
- English
Show submenu for translations
- [Go to avahr.com](https://avahr.com/)
[Go to avahr.com](https://avahr.com/)
Hello. How can we help you?
- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.
1. [Help Center](https://knowledge.avahr.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [Messaging](https://knowledge.avahr.com/messaging?hsLang=en)
3. [Templates](https://knowledge.avahr.com/messaging?hsLang=en#templates)
# Creating an SMS template
## Save short text messages with merge fields to reach candidates quickly.
SMS templates let you send quick, consistent text messages to candidates without writing each one from scratch. Because candidates often reply to a text faster than an email, a few saved templates can speed up your whole process.
### Where templates live
Go to **Settings**, then **Templates** under RECRUITING. Select the **SMS** tab to see your text-message templates.
### Create a new SMS template
1. On the Templates page, click **New template** and choose **SMS template**.
2. Enter a **Template Name** so you can find it later.
3. Write your text in the **Message Body**. A live character count updates as you type.
4. Click **Save**.
Try to keep your message under **160 characters**. That fits in one text segment, which keeps things tidy and cost-effective. The live counter helps you stay on target.
### Add personal touches with merge fields
Merge fields fill in candidate and job details automatically when the text is sent. Place your cursor where you want a detail to appear, use the **Insert Variable** control, and pick the field you want. You can use:
- **{}**
Keep in mind that merge fields expand to real text when the message sends, so a field like can add several characters to your final count.
### Using your template
To use a saved text, open a candidate, go to the **Messages** tab, switch the toggle to **SMS**, and click **Templates** to drop in your message. Review it and send.
### Editing or removing a template
On the Templates page, use a template's row menu to **Edit**, **Duplicate**, or **Delete** it.
- [Getting Started](https://knowledge.avahr.com/getting-started?hsLang=en)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://knowledge.avahr.com/frequently-asked-questions?hsLang=en)
- [Policies](https://knowledge.avahr.com/policies?hsLang=en)
- [Account Settings](https://knowledge.avahr.com/account-settings?hsLang=en)
- [Managing Candidates](https://knowledge.avahr.com/managing-candidates?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Offers](https://knowledge.avahr.com/managing-candidates?hsLang=en#offers)
- [Manage Job Postings](https://knowledge.avahr.com/manage-job-postings?hsLang=en)
- [Team Collaboration](https://knowledge.avahr.com/team-collaboration?hsLang=en)
- [Insights](https://knowledge.avahr.com/insights?hsLang=en)
- [Integrations & Partners](https://knowledge.avahr.com/integrations-partners?hsLang=en)
- [WordPress Plugin](https://knowledge.avahr.com/wordpress-plugin?hsLang=en)
- [Messaging](https://knowledge.avahr.com/messaging?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Templates](https://knowledge.avahr.com/messaging?hsLang=en#templates)
- [Recruiting](https://knowledge.avahr.com/recruiting?hsLang=en#main-content)
- [Screening](https://knowledge.avahr.com/recruiting?hsLang=en#screening)
[.png?width=117&height=24&name=AVA%20HR%20Logo%20(4).png "Chill listening crop-3")](http://vivahr.com)
Help Center
[mailto:email@email.com](mailto:email@email.com)
Copyright © 2026, AvaHR