Screen candidates automatically via WhatsApp with SmartChat

CV screening, cover letter reading, and phone intakes are no longer necessary. Based on the required experience, candidates are automatically and warmly rejected or moved to the next round.

89%

completion rate

DPD

15 min

saved per applicant

Teleperformance

27%

fewer drop-offs

Calco

What is SmartChat?

SmartChat is an AI recruitment chatbot that screens candidates automatically via WhatsApp or webchat. CV screening, cover letter reading, and phone intakes are no longer necessary. Based on the required experience, candidates are automatically and warmly rejected or moved to the next round, without a recruiter lifting a finger. SmartChat is built by Selection Lab and responds to every candidate within 10 seconds. Live in 5 minutes. Active 24/7.

What does SmartChat replace?

CV check

SmartChat reads and assesses candidate experience against your requirements automatically, within seconds.

Intake call

Candidates answer your knockout criteria via WhatsApp. Availability, salary, location, language. Total duration is 3 minutes.

Interview scheduling

SmartChat schedules interviews directly and pushes results straight into your ATS such as Recruitee, Teamtailor, and more.

How does SmartChat work?

Directly after applying, the candidate receives a WhatsApp message within 10 seconds. They can ask all their questions, get answers immediately, and are screened on the hard requirements of the role such as the minimum number of hours per week.

Based on the required experience, the candidate is either automatically and warmly rejected or automatically moved to the next round. Your recruiter only sees the candidates worth their time.

For recruiters

Less time on pre-screening
Less administrative work
No time scheduling appointments
Only qualified candidates to speak with

For candidates

Immediate engagement after applying
Can ask all questions directly
Personal response with no radio silence

Why do recruiters choose WhatsApp for candidate screening?

Most recruitment chatbots use webchat or email. SmartChat uses WhatsApp, the channel candidates already use every day. Candidates respond on average within 7 minutes. The result is higher response rates, faster conversations, and a better candidate experience.

SmartChat also works via webchat for organizations that prefer it. Answers flow directly into your ATS.

How does SmartChat compare to a regular recruitment chatbot?

SmartChat
Regular chatbot
Channel
WhatsApp and webchat
Webchat or email only
CV check included
✓ Yes
✗ No
AI adaptive
✓ Yes
✗ No, fixed script only
Interview scheduling
✓ Yes
– Rarely
Setup time
✓ 5 minutes
– Days or weeks
ATS integration
✓ Yes, visible in ATS
– Depends on tool

What results do organizations achieve with SmartChat?

DPD

89% completion rate on candidate screening without a single phone intake call from a recruiter.

Teleperformance

15 minutes saved per applicant in the screening process.

Calco

27% fewer candidate drop-offs during the recruitment process.

Otto Workforce

21% lower employee turnover in the first 6 months after implementing objective screening.

FrieslandCampina

23,000 applicants processed across 18 countries without hiring additional recruiters.

Handhaving Support

83% reduction in training costs after implementing SmartChat screening.

Which ATS systems does SmartChat integrate with?

Answers from SmartChat conversations are shown directly in your ATS. No manual work needed.

Recruitee
Teamtailor
SmartRecruiters
Ashby
Jobylon
iCIMS
OTYS
Bullhorn
AFAS
and more via API

How does SmartChat fit into a complete selection process?

SmartChat handles the first-round screening. Once a candidate qualifies, they move automatically to the next stage, which can include scientifically validated assessments from the Selection Lab platform. Cognitive tests, personality profiles, and skill tests are all available from one environment, seamlessly connected to your ATS.

Read the recruitment AI guide →

Want to see how we can help?

Give us a call and we can talk you through how it works and find what assessments will find you the best candidates.

Contact us

Frequently asked questions about SmartChat

What is SmartChat?

SmartChat is Selection Lab's conversational AI that automatically screens candidates via WhatsApp or webchat. It replaces CV screening, cover letter reading, and phone intakes in one conversation of 3 minutes.

How fast does SmartChat respond to candidates?

Within 10 seconds of a candidate applying. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including evenings and weekends.

How long does it take to set up SmartChat?

SmartChat is live in 5 minutes. You define your knockout criteria and tone of voice, connect your ATS, and SmartChat handles the rest.

What is an AI recruitment chatbot via WhatsApp?

An AI recruitment chatbot via WhatsApp is a tool that automatically conducts the first screening conversation with candidates via WhatsApp instead of phone or email. SmartChat is an example of this. It asks your questions, handles objections, and qualifies candidates without recruiter involvement.

How much does SmartChat cost?

SmartChat works with a subscription model based on volume and number of users. Request a quote via our demo form.

Does SmartChat work for every type of role?

SmartChat works best for roles with large application volumes such as retail, logistics, call centers, healthcare, and blue-collar functions. For complex senior roles, it works well as a first filter.

In which languages does SmartChat work?

SmartChat works in Dutch, English, French, German, and more. You set the language per vacancy.

Is SmartChat GDPR-compliant?

Yes. Selection Lab has a full Trust Center with all compliance documentation. Candidate data is stored within the EU and processed according to GDPR requirements.

Can SmartChat be combined with assessments?

Yes. SmartChat is part of the Selection Lab platform which also includes 50 or more scientifically validated assessments. You can combine conversational AI screening with cognitive tests, personality assessments, and skill tests in one flow.

Does SmartChat replace my recruiter?

No. SmartChat handles the repetitive pre-screening so your recruiter can focus on the conversations that actually require a human, such as the final interviews, the relationship building, and the hiring decision.