Send Text Step

The Send Text step in Bullhorn Automation is used to automatically send text messages (SMS) to candidates and contacts.

The Send Text step requires an active TextUs or Bullhorn Messaging account. Contact your Bullhorn administrator if the Send Text option does not appear in your workflow.

Adding the Send Text Step

  1. Add the Send Text step to your automation at the desired point in the workflow.

    The Send Text step placed in an automation workflow in Bullhorn Automation.

  2. In the Create Text Message panel, select how to create your message.

    • From Scratch: Opens the Text Message Builder. The Text Settings panel appears on the right with the From and Send all responses to the following fields ready to configure.
    • From Existing: Select a template from the list. The Text Message Builder opens with the template content and settings pre-filled. To change the From or Send all responses to the following settings, select Settings at the top of the builder.

  3. In the Text Settings panel, configure the following fields.

    • From: Select which user or number the text message will be sent from.
    • Send all responses to the following: Select the user who will receive replies to the text message. To route all responses to a specific user, type their email address directly into the field.

    The Text Settings panel showing the From dropdown and Send all responses to the following field.

    The Job Assigned Users option in the Send all responses to the following field only works if the field is configured for singular values.

  4. In the Message field, compose your text message.

    • The builder displays a character and segment counter below the message field in the format [characters typed]/360 ([segment count]). For example, 561/360 (4) means 561 characters across 4 segments.
    • If your message exceeds 360 characters, the counter turns red and a "Too long" warning appears. Segment count determines how many individual SMS messages are sent and directly affects billing.

  5. Select Save.

See SMS Overview for more information about sending text messages.

Warning: SMS automations created in Bullhorn Automation are not held against the segment limits configured in TextUs. If an SMS automation exceeds your TextUs account's segment limit, the message will still send. Review the segment count of your SMS automations to avoid unexpected overages.

Optimizing Message Delivery

  • Be mindful of segments: Longer messages may be split into multiple billable SMS segments.

  • The Text Message Builder displays the segment count in real time as you type — you can see it in parentheses next to the character count. For additional pre-planning before you open the builder, you can use the Twilio Message Segment Calculator.

  • Avoid hidden formatting: Copying text from Word or other rich text editors can insert hidden characters that cause messages to split into multiple segments. This commonly happens with apostrophes and special punctuation.

  • Limit emoji use: Emojis are great for personality, but be aware that they often increase the number of segments per message.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions cover common edge cases when using the Send Text step.

Why did my recipient receive multiple text messages?

Messages over 140 characters are split into multiple segments and delivered as separate messages. Keep messages under 140 characters to ensure single-message delivery, or check the segment count in the Text Message Builder before saving.

Why is my character counter red?

The counter turns red when your message exceeds the 360-character limit. A "Too long" warning also appears. Shorten your message until the counter returns to its default color before saving.

What happens if a candidate or contact doesn't have a mobile number on their profile?

The text message will not be sent. Candidates and contacts must have a mobile number associated with their ATS profile to receive a text message from an automation.