This guide shows how to create a WhatsApp message template in Talkpush. WhatsApp only lets you start a conversation with a candidate using a Meta-approved message template. You create the template in Talkpush and submit it to Meta for review. Once it’s approved, you can test it on a campaign to make sure the wording and variables come out correctly before any candidate receives it.
You can use approved templates in Autoflow, Bulk Actions, Folder Movements and Campaign Message Settings, and as Quick Replies.
Before You Start
Make sure you have the following:
Access to your Talkpush account.
The final wording of the message, plus the variables it needs, such as the candidate’s first name, the job title or the landing page link.
A template name. You can’t change the name after you submit the template, so choose it carefully.
Part 1: Create and submit the template
Step 1: Log in to the instance and open WhatsApp templates
Log in to Talkpush.
Click Templates in the top navigation bar.
In the left-side panel, click Message Templates.
Click the WhatsApp tab. Existing WhatsApp templates and their status (e.g. Approved) are listed here.
Step 2: Click "Create New"
While on the WhatsApp tab, click + Create New (next to the search bar).
Step 3: Select "Meta" as the template type
Under Template type, click Meta. This is the option that sends the template to Meta for review.
Step 4: Add a template name and set the language
Enter a descriptive WhatsApp template name (e.g.
test_invitation,call_request).Select the Language the message is written in.
The template name is fixed after you submit and cannot be edited. Use lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only (no spaces).
Step 5: Add your message
Type the message content in the editor.
Use the Variables dropdown to insert dynamic fields such as
{{candidate_first_name}},{{job_title}},{{company}}, and{{job_landing_page_url}}. Don't type variables manually.Check the Template preview on the right to confirm the message looks correct.
Tips to avoid rejection:
Double-check that you're using the correct variables for this client/campaign.
Avoid starting or ending the message with a variable.
You can click Start from an example: invitation with interview link to load a sample as a starting point.
Step 6: Choose "Utility" as the category
Set the Category to Utility.
Utility templates are for messages about something the candidate already started (like their application), and they cost less to send than Marketing templates.
Step 7: Save, submit, and wait for Meta's approval
Click Save and submit. This sends the template to WhatsApp/Meta for review.
Wait for Meta's approval. Review takes at least 15 minutes and usually a few hours.
Open the template from Templates > Message Templates > WhatsApp to check its status. Once it shows Approved, it's ready to use.
If you edit an approved template, the changes go back to Meta for review before they can be used (usually a few hours).
Part 2: Test the approved template
Step 8: Assign the template in the campaign's Message settings
Open the campaign you'll test with and go to its settings.
On the left panel, click Message settings.
Choose the tab for the stage you're testing: Invitation, Completion, Shortlisted, or Rejection (tab names vary slightly per instance).
Make sure the stage is enabled (toggle set to YES).
5. Open the WhatsApp dropdown and select your template. Templates you created are listed under Your templates, below the default Talkpush templates.
6. Confirm the preview on the right shows the correct message, then save.
Step 9: Add yourself to the campaign
Go to Add candidates and choose the manual method.
Select the campaign you configured, then enter your name, surname, email, and a WhatsApp phone number you can check.
Click Continue and finish adding the candidate.
Step 10: Trigger the message
Template stage | How to trigger it |
Invitation | Adding yourself to the campaign sends the invitation. |
Completion/Finalized, Shortlisted, Rejection/Refused | Move yourself across folders into the matching folder. The message sends when you're moved. |
Step 11: Check the message
On your phone, check that:
The WhatsApp message arrived.
Every variable shows the right value, such as the candidate’s name, job title, company, and links.
Every link in the message opens the right page.
When you finish testing, delete your test candidate or move it to an inactive folder so it doesn’t show up in your reports.
Troubleshooting
Issue | What to do |
Template was rejected | Fix the wording or variable placement, then submit a new template with a new name. |
Still pending after several hours | Allow up to 24 hours, then escalate to the team. |
Template doesn't appear in the campaign's WhatsApp dropdown | Check that it's Approved, then look under Your templates in the dropdown. |
No message received during testing | Confirm the stage toggle is set to YES, the right template is selected, and your phone number was entered with the correct country code. |
Typo in the template name | Names can't be edited. Create a new template with the correct name. |
