SMS Consent & Compliance

Reference Consent Process

This page demonstrates how CandidateFirst obtains express written consent from professional references for SMS messaging and automated reference verification through our comprehensive two-step consent process.

How We Obtain Consent

1. Candidate Permission Verification

Before any reference can be added to our platform, job candidates must explicitly confirm they have obtained permission from their reference to be contacted by CandidateFirst. This is enforced through a mandatory checkbox during reference submission.

Required Candidate Confirmation:

"I have obtained permission from this person to be contacted by CandidateFirst for a reference check."

Prior Permission Required

2. Express Written Consent via SMS

Before any reference call, we send an SMS requesting explicit consent. References must actively reply "YES" to proceed with the verification process. This constitutes express written consent under TCPA regulations.

Active Opt-In Required

Permission Confirmation in Action

Below is a screenshot of the actual permission confirmation checkbox that candidates must check before adding a reference to their profile. This ensures TCPA compliance by requiring explicit prior permission confirmation.

Screenshot of the Add Reference dialog showing the mandatory permission confirmation checkbox that reads 'I have obtained permission from this person to be contacted by CandidateFirst for a reference check'

The mandatory permission confirmation checkbox ensures candidates have obtained prior consent before CandidateFirst contacts their references.

Actual SMS Messages Sent

Initial Reference Request Message

"Hi! This is CandidateFirst, a platform that helps people in their career journey. [Candidate Name] has listed you as a professional reference and would like us to conduct a brief 10-minute reference call with you. This helps provide structured feedback to support their career narrative. Would you be willing to participate? Simply reply YES when you're ready for us to call you. Reply STOP to opt out. Thank you!"

Follow-up Message (if no response)

"Hello again! This is CandidateFirst following up about [Candidate Name]'s reference request. We're hoping to schedule a brief 10-minute call to gather professional feedback about their work experience and character. Would you be available for this reference call? Reply YES if you're willing to participate. Reply STOP to opt out. Thanks for considering!"

Required Response for Consent

Reference must reply: "YES", "Y", "OK", "OKAY", or similar affirmative response

Only after receiving this explicit consent do we proceed with the reference call.

Opt-Out & Help Options

Stop Messages

References can opt out at any time by replying STOPto any message. They will immediately receive confirmation and no further messages will be sent.

Auto-response: "You have been unsubscribed from CandidateFirst reference messages. You will not receive further texts from us."

Help Information

References can reply HELP to receive information about our service and how to opt out.

Auto-response: "CandidateFirst helps job candidates by collecting professional references. You received this because someone listed you as their reference. Reply STOP to opt out or visit candidatefirst.ai for more info."

TCPA Compliance Process

Double Opt-In Consent Process

Our two-step consent process ensures full TCPA compliance:

Step 1: Candidate confirms they have obtained prior permission from the reference

Step 2: Reference provides express written consent via SMS reply

Message Purpose

Professional reference verification messages sent only to contacts provided by job candidates who have confirmed prior permission. All messages include clear opt-out instructions.

Reference Call Process

After SMS Consent

Once a reference replies "YES" to our SMS, we immediately initiate a brief 10-minute automated reference call. The call is conducted by our AI-powered system that asks structured questions about the candidate's work performance and character.

Call Completion Confirmation

After completing the reference call, we send a final SMS thanking the reference for their time and confirming that no additional calls are needed. This message includes opt-out instructions for future messages.