Overview
This article is for all users who want to understand when the Messages application tag appears on an applicant’s profile in the ATS. The tag indicates two-way communication has occurred with the applicant, not just one-way system messages.
Understanding The Messages Application Tag
Learn what triggers the tag and what does not.
What The Tag Indicates
The Messages application tag is shown when you have had back-and-forth communication with an applicant.
The Messages application tag appears when an applicant has been sent a text message.
What Does Not Trigger The Tag
One-way messages, including system‑generated emails (for example, a “thank you for applying” email) or messages where no reply is wanted or needed (for example, a rejection email), do not display the Messages application tag.
If every one‑way message triggered the tag, every applicant would have it, defeating its purpose.
Email Templates And Replies
The Messages application tag appears for applicants who were sent an email template that is marked to Allow Replies to Communication Inbox under Settings > Text/Email Templates by an Admin user.
Email templates that are not marked to allow replies will NOT display the Messages application tag, but the message will still appear in the Timeline.
Email templates that are not marked to allow replies include a no‑reply message hard‑coded at the bottom of the delivered email:
“This is an automated message from (Company Name). Please do not reply to this message. If you have any questions, please use the contact information (if available) located on the main website for (Company Name).”
Reporting/Troubleshooting/Best Practices
Confirm whether a text message was sent to the applicant; texts trigger the Messages application tag.
If you sent an email and do not see the tag, verify the template is set to Allow Replies to Communication Inbox under Settings > Text/Email Templates.
Review the Timeline to confirm the communication was logged even if the Messages application tag is not shown.
Remember that system‑generated or no‑reply emails (for example, rejection emails) will not trigger the Messages application tag.
FAQs
Does a system-generated “thank you for applying” email trigger the Messages application tag?
No. One‑way system emails do not display the tag.
Do rejection emails trigger the Messages application tag?
No. Rejection emails are typically no‑reply and will not display the tag.
When will the Messages application tag appear after sending an email?
When the email template used is marked to Allow Replies to Communication Inbox under Settings > Text/Email Templates.
Do text messages trigger the Messages application tag?
Yes. Sending a text message to an applicant will display the tag.
Where can I verify communications if the tag is not shown?
Check the Timeline on the applicant’s profile to see logged messages.