LONDON – September 12, 2026 -- Ashby, an all-in-one recruiting platform, launched WhatsApp messaging for candidate communication at its Ashby One London conference, adding a second chat channel alongside its existing SMS texting tools.
WhatsApp joins SMS as a candidate outreach channel inside Ashby profiles
The feature lets recruiting teams send and receive messages directly from a candidate's profile, using pre-approved templates for tasks such as interview scheduling and availability requests. WhatsApp is also available as a delivery option for automated interview reminders and booking confirmations, alongside SMS and email. Replies are stored in the same conversation thread as the rest of a candidate's activity in Ashby, giving recruiters a single record of outreach.
Ashby ties the launch to WhatsApp's dominance as a messaging app in Europe
Ashby said WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app across much of Europe, and chose its European event to introduce the feature as part of continued investment in EMEA customers. Abbye Eva, Knowledge Manager at Ashby, said the addition gives teams "another way to have high-touch conversations with candidates throughout the process, using the channel many candidates already use every day."
Live demo shows recruiter-candidate exchange landing in one thread
During a product demonstration at the event, Eva showed a recruiter sending an availability request template to a candidate awaiting a panel interview via WhatsApp, with the candidate's reply appearing in the same conversation thread. Recruiters can opt to be notified and reply through email or Slack. Eva said the channel is useful for short, timely messages -- confirming an interview, answering a question, or staying connected between hiring stages.
Ashby CEO frames feature as reinforcing human contact in AI-driven hiring
Benji Encz, CEO and co-founder of Ashby, said the launch reflects where human connection still matters most in recruiting. "We've talked a lot about where AI can take on more of the workflow," Encz said, "but a big part of the job is still selling candidates and getting them excited to join your team -- and that means meeting them where they already are."
WhatsApp messaging began rolling out to Ashby customers on the day of the announcement.