Which first messages get a reply: our own data
Across 43 first messages sent to recruiters through FirstMessage, 37.2% received a reply. Replies are attributed automatically: a Telethon listener matches every incoming message to the original application, so this is measured behaviour rather than a survey. Breakdowns below cover role, message length and weekday.
Updated: 20.09.2026
Reply rate by role
| Role | Sent | Replies | Reply rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA Automation / SDET | 15 | 10 | 66,7% |
Reply rate by message length
| Message length | Sent | Replies | Reply rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600-1000 chars | 25 | 9 | 36,0% |
| over 1000 chars | 16 | 6 | 37,5% |
Reply rate by weekday sent
| Weekday | Sent | Replies | Reply rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 11 | 6 | 54,5% |
Method
- Every application sent through the service is stored with its role, message text and timestamp.
- A Telethon listener watches the user inbox and attributes an incoming message to the original application by chat and message id.
- Any incoming message counts as a reply, including a rejection - the metric measures response, not success.
- Rows with fewer than 10 sent applications are hidden rather than rounded.
- Only aggregates are published: no user, recruiter or message text ever leaves the service.
FAQ
How is the reply rate calculated?
The numerator is applications where the Telethon listener recorded an incoming message from the recruiter. The denominator is every application with status sent or later. Any incoming message counts, including a rejection: this page measures response, not success.
Why are some rows missing?
A row is published from 10 sent applications upwards. Below that a single reply swings the percentage, so thin slices are hidden rather than rounded.
Can I cite these numbers?
Yes, citing this page and the update date. The figures are recomputed automatically, so they shift over time - the date on the page shows which snapshot you are quoting.
Are the numbers inflated?
The sample covers this service users and the Telegram channels it monitors, so it is not a market average. Direct messages to a recruiter structurally get more replies than applications queued in a job-board list, and that is what the numbers reflect.
Related
Get fresh vacancies first in our Telegram channel
Daily job digests, application breakdowns, and success stories.
Subscribe Try autopilot