The Scheduler stage type has message functionality in addition to the typical Stage Landing (Initial) and Follow-Up messages that are seen in other stages. Scheduler stages also have the ability to send a Confirmation, Cancellation, Reminder, and New Availability messages. Additionally, Follow-Up messages will include unique functionality in a Scheduler stage type.
Confirmation Messages
The Scheduler stage type includes the option to send an automated SMS and/or email message after an applicant books a session on the Fountain calendar. By default, there are generic plain text stage messages available per the stage settings.
To edit the SMS or Email message, click the pencil icon.
Enter information in all required fields, which are marked with an asterisk (*), or select a template from the dropdown menu.
To disable this message entirely, click the Disable toggle to on.
Important Note: There is no Delay field
There is no Delay field because this message is sent immediately after the applicant books the slot.
Cancellation Messages
The Scheduler stage type also includes the option to send an automated SMS and/or email message after an applicant or recruiter cancels a booked session on the Fountain calendar. By default, there are generic plain text stage messages available per the stage settings.
To edit the SMS or Email message, click the pencil icon.
Enter information in all required fields, which are marked with an asterisk (*), or select a template from the dropdown menu.
To disable this message entirely, click the Disable toggle to on.
Important Note: There is no Delay field
There is no Delay field because this message is sent immediately after the applicant books the slot.
Reminder Messages
The Scheduler stage type also includes the option to send an automated SMS and/or email reminder message before the applicant's booked session on the Fountain calendar. Similar to Follow-Up messages, you can choose to add a number of reminder messages sent at different times. By default, there are generic plain text stage messages available per the stage settings.
To edit the SMS or Email message, click the pencil icon.
Enter information in all required fields, which are marked with an asterisk (*), or select a template from the dropdown menu.
Update the number in the Minutes Prior field. This is the number of minutes before the event that the SMS and/or email will be sent to the applicant.
To add additional Reminder messages, click +Add Message.
To delete a Reminder message, click the trash can icon.
To disable this message entirely, click the Disable toggle to on.
Best Practice: Reminder Messages
Fountain doesn't restrict you on how many Reminder messages you can add, but we recommend making no more than three Reminder messages. You may also want to stagger your messages so they are not sent back to back. Please keep in mind that sending out too many Reminder messages may deter the applicant from attending the event.
New Availability Messages
The Scheduler stage type also includes the option to send an automated SMS and/or email message to applicants when new slots are added if they haven’t already booked a session and are sitting in the Scheduler stage.
These messages will be triggered to send as soon as new slots that the applicant can book are added. This means that the applicant will only receive messages if the new availability can be viewed by the applicant based on set visibility constraints such as limit future sessions and last-minute booking settings. Additionally, this message type is not a rolling message. Meaning, that if more availability is displayed because time passes that allows limited future sessions to show, no email will be sent
Click Add Message to create a new availability message.
To create the SMS or Email message, click the pencil icon.
Enter information in all required fields, which are marked with an asterisk (*), or select a template from the dropdown menu.
To disable this message entirely, click the Disable toggle to on.
Important Notes:
There is no Delay field because this message is sent immediately after the new slot is added.
New availability messages can only be sent once a day and will only be sent to applicants who are currently sitting in the Scheduler stage but have not selected a session yet. Additionally, if the applicant receives a message about new availability for the event, they won’t receive another one until 24 hours have passed. Example of 24-hour window: If Fountain sends an email at 3 p.m. today, the applicant will not receive another notification until the next day after 3 p.m. If new slots are added at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. today, the applicant will not receive a notification about the slots added at 4 p.m.
Unique Follow-Up Message Functionality
In addition to the normal Follow-Up message functionality covered in this article, Scheduler stage Follow-Up messages will not be sent if there is no availability for the session that the applicant can book.
Example:
We have Follow-Up messages set up to be sent on days 1, 3, and 7.
On day 3, all available sessions are booked (meaning there is no availability available).
On day 5 you add more availability.
The applicant would have only received Follow-Up messages on day 1 and day 7. The day 3 message was skipped because there was no availability on that day on the calendar.
Best Practice:
Fountain recommends configuring a New Availability message to pair with this Follow-Up message behavior if you want to ensure applicants get notifications to book sessions/events.
Important Note:
If a message is skipped, it will be notated in the Applicant Profile in the history tab.