WhatsApp for External Candidates

If you've enabled WhatsApp, external candidates can now use WhatsApp to authenticate during application flows and self-service. If you've enabled both SMS and WhatsApp candidates will see a toggle that lets them switch between the two.

This authentication page shows the WhatsApp and SMS toggle.

Candidates can use WhatsApp to authenticate

This toggle is visible on:

  • Authentication pages
  • Self Service
  • Contact Information block in application flows

If you've only enabled one of these, the toggle isn't displayed.

In addition, you can now configure a default communication channel for application flows using the Default Communication Method section on the Career Sites Configuration > Edit > General tab. This section displays if you've indicated that email and phone can be used as communication methods. If you've enabled either SMS or WhatsApp, you'll also see the Mobile Message Type section.

NOTE: When you enable WhatsApp it can take up to an hour for the Mobile Message Type to display on the General tab.

Default Mobile Message Type

Default Mobile Message Type

Use these settings to indicate what initially displays to candidates when they enter the application flow. For example, if you indicate that phone number is the default, candidates entering the apply flow will see the phone number field. Regardless of what you select, candidates can still select the communication method that they prefer. By default, Email is selected for Default Method, and SMS is selected for the Mobile Message Type.

NOTE: Returning candidates who already selected a preference during a previous visit will see their previous selection first. Their preference is saved in a cookie.

The additional communication channel provides candidates with a convenient and flexible way to verify their identity. Saving communication preferences in a cookie provides a more personalized and seamless user experience.

Steps to Enable

To use WhatsApp with this feature, you first need to enable it.

  1. Enable WhatsApp for Fusion. For details see How do I enable WhatsApp and SMS in Fusion Service?
  2. Enable WhatsApp as a new candidate communication channel. For details see How do I set up WhatsApp communications?
  3. Set a default communication channel for external candidates. For additional details see How do I set a default communication method for career sites?

Key Resources

See also Redwood Experience: Introducing WhatsApp as a Communication Channel