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Better Messages for WP Job Manager: Candidate ↔ Employer Chat

The WP Job Manager integration for Better Messages adds a Send Message button on every active job listing — candidates start a private thread with the employer directly on the site. The integration automatically gates new messages when the job is filled or expired so closed listings stop receiving inquiries. Works on both the free and WebSocket versions.

REQUIREMENTS

To install the plugin ensure that your website running:

  • WordPress 5.9 or newer
  • PHP 7.4 or newer

Installation#

How to install WP Job Manager#

Download WP Job Manager from official website and install following standard WordPress installation process

How to install Better Messages with WP Job Manager#

  1. Install the plugin through the WordPress plugins screen directly or upload the plugin files to the /wp-content/plugins/bp-better-messages directory.
  2. Activate the plugin through the Plugins screen in WordPress
  3. Use the Better Messages -> Settings menu to configure the plugin
  4. Go to Integrations -> Directories and Enable Live Chat for Job Listings in WP Job Manager Integration section Settings

After the option is activated, all active job listings that are not filled or expired will have "Send Messages" button after job listing description.

Job Listing

After pressing the Send Message button, user will be directed to private conversation screen, where he can contact job listing author:

Job Messages

If after the conversation is created, the job listing item is filled or expired, the user will not be able to send messages anymore and will see the following messages:

Job Filled Job Expired

Frequently asked questions#

Can candidates see other candidates' applications?#

No — every thread is private between the candidate who started it and the employer who posted the listing.

Will the chat history be visible after the role is filled?#

Yes — messages stay readable on both sides. The integration only blocks new outgoing messages on filled and expired listings.

Can employers initiate the conversation?#

Yes — employers can DM candidates directly once a thread exists, or start a thread from their own dashboard.

Does it work with paid-listings extensions like WC Paid Listings?#

Yes — the integration listens to WP Job Manager's listing-status hooks, which paid-listings extensions use to mark listings active / filled / expired.

Can I move the button to a different position on the listing page?#

Yes — the button is auto-rendered after the job description by default; position can be overridden via custom hook priority or manual shortcode placement.

See also#