Workflows: Send by communication preference
Updated at August 20th, 2026
Table of Contents
By default, you will have this feature enabled for account when Workflows is enabled. This feature will ensure that candidates will only receive communications via their preferred communication method rather than the default setting. This process also ensures that opt-in messages are sent to candidates in order for additional channels to be opened and utilized.
This will have to be disabled to allow for communications to be sent via other contact methods.
Configuration
As mentioned above, this toggle will be enabled by default when Workflows is enabled for your account. If you want this feature disabled or the timeframe in which workflows should be abandoned updated, users with full access to Client Setup can complete the below steps.
- Select All Apps and then Settings from its drop-down menu.
- When the Settings page opens, select Client Setup under the Paradox Tools section.
- From the left panel, open the Data Privacy section.
- This section will include two settings that you can adjust, as needed:
- Use Communication Preference for Workflows – Toggle this off to disable the use of communication preference in workflows.
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Time period to set abandoned workflows – This setting is where you can adjust the amount of time that candidates will have to opt in to a communication preference to receive the workflow communication. If a candidate does not respond to an opt-in message during this timeframe, then the workflow will be cancelled. Time period options include:
- 2 days (default)
- 3 days
- 4 days
- 5 days
- 6 days
- 7 days
- Save the page.
Communication preferences and functionality
The following communication preferences have their functionality described below.
Email Only
Workflows with Email set as the configured communication method will send the communication as expected to candidates with Email Only set as their preferred communication method.
- When the workflow has SMS as the configured communication method – The text message will not be sent to the candidate. However, an email will be sent to the candidate asking if they would like to opt-in to SMS. If they opt in, then their communication preference will update to Email & SMS, and they will receive this and future communications.
Text Message Only
Workflows with SMS set as the configured communication method will send the communication as expected to candidates with Text Message Only set as their preferred communication method.
- When the workflow has Email as the configured communication method – The candidate will receive an email that asks if they would like to opt-in to receiving email notifications. If they opt in, then their communication preference will update to Email & SMS, and they will receive this and future communications.
WhatsApp Only
Workflows with WhatsApp set as the configured communication method will send the communication as expected to candidates with WhatsApp Only set as their preferred communication method.
- When the workflow has Email as the configured communication method – A WhatsApp message will send to the candidate asking if they would like to opt-in to email communications. If they opt in, then their communication preference will update to Email & WhatsApp, and they will receive this communication and future communications.
- When the workflow has SMS as the configured communication method – The candidate will receive a Candidate Self Update communication via WhatsApp to update their communication preference to include SMS. This communication will open a page where they can update their communication preferences, as shown in the following section.
- When the workflow has Email and SMS as the configured communication method – The candidate will receive a Candidate Self Update communication via WhatsApp to update their communication preference to include either SMS or Email. This communication will open a page where they can update their communication preferences, as shown in the following section.
Email & Text Message
Workflows with either Email and/or SMS set as the configured communication method, then the candidate will receive the communication as an email, text message, or both, depending on the selection made in workflows.
Email & WhatsApp
Workflows with either Email and/or WhatsApp set as the configured communication method, then the candidate will receive the communication as an email, text message, or both, depending on the selection made in workflows.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- If the opt-in communication is sent out, the candidate will not progress through their automated workflow until they respond.
- If a candidate chooses not to opt-in to a new communication preference, the updated preference message will only trigger once per communication channel (Email, SMS, and/or WhatsApp). This ensures that the candidate is not spammed if they do not want to update their communication preferences.
Candidate self update
When a candidate receives a Candidate Self Update communication, it will include a link that opens the Manage Preferences page, where they can update their communication preferences. Learn more about the Manage Preferences page here.