What this is
If you text job applicants from a business number, carriers treat that as business messaging. That means each applicant has to opt in first. These 10DLC opt-in language examples show how to write that consent request on a job application. They also cover SMS opt-in language for job applications that carrier reviewers can read and understand without hunting for it.
Under the CTIA Messaging Principles, a business sending texts counts as a Non-Consumer sender. The invitation to opt in is called a Call-to-Action. Reviewers check that it is clear, visible and specific to the messages you will send.
Likely causes of opt-in problems
If your campaign was flagged or your consent wording was questioned, the cause is usually one of these:
- The opt-in sentence sits inside terms and conditions or a privacy policy instead of next to the phone field.
- The wording does not name your company or say what kind of texts the applicant will get.
- There is no mention of how to opt out or get help.
- Message and data rate language is missing.
- Texts start before the applicant has agreed, or no confirmation text is sent.
- Consent was collected for one company and reused by another, or a purchased contact list was used.
- There is no record of what the applicant saw and did when they agreed.
Fix your opt-in language
- 1 Put the consent next to the phone number field Place a short, unchecked checkbox and the opt-in sentence directly beside or below the mobile number field on your apply page. Do not bury it in linked terms. For placement ideas, see this guide on where to put the SMS consent checkbox.
- 2 Name the sender and the purpose Use the company name the applicant will recognise. Say the texts are about their application: interview scheduling, status updates and next steps.
- 3 Add opt-out, help and rate language Tell applicants they can reply STOP to opt out and HELP for help, and that message and data rates may apply. Say message frequency varies.
- 4 Keep consent tied to your company only Consent you collect applies to your hiring messages only. Do not share it with other employers or agencies, and do not text lists you bought or rented.
- 5 Send a confirmation text first Before any other message, send a short confirmation that repeats who you are, what the texts are for, and how to opt out.
- 6 Record the consent Save what the applicant saw and what they did: the exact wording, the checkbox action, the phone number and when it happened. Keep opt-out requests too.
Example: apply-here form checkbox
Checkbox opt-in for an online application
[ ] I agree to receive text messages from [Company Name] about my job application, including interview scheduling, reminders and status updates. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out or HELP for help. Consent to texts is not required to apply.
Leave the box unchecked by default. Only include the last sentence if applicants can genuinely apply without agreeing to texts.
Example: multi-location hiring
Opt-in for a brand hiring across several locations
[ ] Text me about my application with [Brand Name], including updates from the location I applied to. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help.
Use the same brand name that appears in your 10DLC registration so reviewers can match the two.
Example: confirmation message
First text after opt-in
[Company Name] Hiring: Thanks for applying. You'll get texts about your application, such as interview times and updates. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.
What not to do
| Avoid | Do this instead |
|---|---|
| Opt-in wording only in terms and conditions | Short sentence next to the phone field |
| Pre-checked consent box | Unchecked box the applicant ticks |
| Vague sender, such as 'our partners' | Your company or brand name |
| Texting before consent | Text only after opt-in, starting with a confirmation |
| Reusing consent across companies | Collect consent for your own hiring messages |
| Buying or renting phone lists | Build your own list from applicants who opted in |
How to confirm it worked
- Open your apply page as an applicant would. The opt-in sentence should be visible without clicking a link.
- Submit a test application with your own mobile number and check that the confirmation text arrives first.
- Reply STOP from the test phone and confirm no further texts are sent.
- Check that you can find the saved consent record for the test applicant.
- Make sure the brand name on the form matches your 10DLC brand registration.
When to contact support
Contact ATS Mako support if your campaign is still rejected after updating your wording, if the confirmation text does not send, or if you are unsure how your apply pages collect phone numbers. Have your apply page link and the exact opt-in text ready. You can also review how apply pages capture applicants and how conversational SMS works.
General information, not legal advice.
This page explains common requirements in plain language and is not a substitute for advice from qualified counsel or guidance from the relevant agency. Laws, carrier rules and agency guidance change; check the official sources below and confirm current requirements before acting.
Sources
- api.ctia.org — Messaging Principles and Best Practices (retrieved October 16, 2026)
Text applicants with clear consent from the first message
See how ATS Mako's native SMS fits into your apply pages and hiring workflow.