> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hirempire.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Chat

> Real-time team messaging with channels, direct messages, and @mentions

<Info>
  Chat is available on **Pro** and higher plans.
</Info>

## Overview

Hirempire Chat brings your recruiting team together in real time. No need to switch to a separate messaging tool — conversations about candidates, roles, and interviews happen right where you're managing your hiring.

## Channels

Channels are shared spaces for team-wide conversations. Every workspace starts with two default channels:

* **#general** — for day-to-day team communication
* **#announcements** — for important updates

### Creating a channel

Click the **+** icon next to "Channels" in the chat sidebar. You can create public or private channels:

* **Public** — visible and joinable by all workspace members
* **Private** — invite-only, only visible to added members

### Managing channel members

Click the member avatars in the top right of any channel to open the members panel. From there you can invite or remove team members.

## Direct Messages

Click any team member's name under **Direct Messages** in the sidebar to start a private conversation. You can also message yourself to use it as a personal notepad.

## Typing indicator

When someone is actively typing in a channel or DM, you'll see **"{name} is typing…"** with animated dots just above the message composer. It disappears automatically when they stop.

## Mentions

Use `@` to mention team members inline in any message:

| Prefix     | What it mentions |
| ---------- | ---------------- |
| `@name`    | A team member    |
| `@@name`   | A candidate      |
| `@@@name`  | A job            |
| `@@@@name` | A task           |
| `#channel` | Another channel  |

Mentioned users receive a notification in their [Inbox](/collaboration/inbox).

## Message formatting

The composer supports rich text formatting:

* **Bold**, *Italic*, ~~Strikethrough~~
* Headings (H1, H2, H3)
* Bulleted and numbered lists
* Block quotes

Use `Enter` to send, `Shift + Enter` for a new line.

## Reactions

Hover over any message and click the emoji icon to add a reaction. The sender gets notified in their inbox.

## Unread counts

Channels with unread messages show a badge with the count. Counts reset when you open the channel.

## Best Practices

<Tip>
  Use **#announcements** for role-fills, policy changes, and team updates — keep #general for casual conversation.
</Tip>

<Tip>
  **@mention candidates and jobs** in messages to create clickable links. This makes it easy to reference specific applications during team discussions.
</Tip>