Real-Time Messaging

Introduction

The Real-Time Messaging feature enables direct, instant communication between recruiters and developers on Profile Analyzer. It provides a professional messaging platform with modern features like online status indicators, typing notifications, and unread message tracking.

Why It Exists

Recruiting is fundamentally about human connection. While profiles and analytics show technical capabilities, meaningful conversations reveal fit, interest, and opportunity alignment. The messaging system bridges the gap between data-driven candidate discovery and personal engagement.

Instead of switching to external email or LinkedIn, recruiters can reach out directly within Profile Analyzer. Developers receive messages from verified recruiters in a dedicated inbox, keeping recruitment conversations organized and professional.

How It Works

Starting a Conversation

For Recruiters: When viewing a developer's profile, you can initiate a conversation directly from the talent search or candidate details page. Click the "Send Message" or contact button to start a new conversation thread.

For Developers: Recruiters who have access to your profile can reach out. You'll see incoming conversations in your Messages dashboard and can respond at your convenience.

Real-Time Communication

Messages are delivered instantly using WebSocket technology. This means:

• Messages appear immediately without page refresh
• You see when the other person is typing
• Online/offline status updates in real-time
• Conversations stay in sync across multiple browser tabs

Conversation Management

All your conversations are listed in the sidebar, showing:

• Contact name and avatar
• Most recent message preview
• Timestamp of last activity
• Unread message count per conversation
• Online status indicator (green dot = online)

Conversations are automatically sorted by recent activity, keeping active discussions at the top.

What You Can See

Messages Dashboard

Access the messaging interface from the main navigation. The dashboard has two main sections:

Conversation List (Left Sidebar)

• All active conversations sorted by recency
• Unread count badges for each conversation
• Online/offline status for each contact
• Quick preview of the latest message
• Visual highlighting for active conversation

Chat Area (Right Panel)

• Full message history with the selected contact
• Sender information and timestamps
• Real-time typing indicator ("Typing...")
• Message input field with send button
• Auto-scrolling to latest messages

Unread Message Tracking

The system tracks unread messages at two levels:

Total Unread Count Displayed at the top of the Messages page, showing how many unread messages you have across all conversations.

Per-Conversation Badges Each conversation shows its own unread count. The badge appears next to the contact name and disappears when you open that conversation.

Online Status

See when contacts are online with a real-time presence indicator:

• Green pulsing dot: Contact is currently online
• Gray dot: Contact is offline

This helps you gauge whether to expect an immediate response or send a message for later.

Typing Indicators

When someone is actively typing a reply, you see a "Typing..." indicator at the bottom of the message area. This provides immediate feedback that your message was received and a response is coming.

Who Should Use This

Recruiters

• Reach out to promising candidates directly
• Schedule interviews and discuss opportunities
• Answer developer questions about roles
• Build relationships before formal applications
• Keep all recruitment conversations in one place

Developers

• Respond to recruiter inquiries
• Ask questions about job opportunities
• Clarify role requirements and expectations
• Negotiate interview schedules
• Maintain professional communication history

Real-World Value

For Recruiters

• Faster Response Times: Real-time delivery means quicker candidate engagement
• Organized Communication: All candidate conversations in one dashboard
• Context Preservation: Message history stays attached to candidate profiles
• Professional Channel: Avoid cluttered email threads or informal social media DMs

For Developers

• Centralized Inbox: All recruiter messages in one place, separate from personal email
• Transparent Communication: Clear record of all conversations and offers
• Convenient Response: Reply when ready without switching platforms
• Reduced Spam: Only verified recruiters with platform access can message you

Common Scenarios

Recruiter Initiates Contact

1. Recruiter discovers your profile through candidate search 2. Clicks "Message" button on your profile 3. Types introduction and role details 4. Message arrives in your inbox instantly 5. You receive notification of new unread message 6. You open conversation and respond

Developer Asks Questions

1. Developer receives message about opportunity 2. Replies with questions about tech stack, team size, remote policy 3. Recruiter sees typing indicator and waits 4. Detailed response arrives in seconds 5. Conversation continues in real-time

Scheduling an Interview

1. Back-and-forth discussion about availability 2. Both parties see online status to gauge response timing 3. Interview time confirmed in message thread 4. Conversation history serves as reference

Technical Features

Message Delivery

• WebSocket Protocol: Instant message delivery without polling
• Automatic Reconnection: Connection restored if network drops
• Optimistic Updates: Messages appear immediately in your view
• Server Confirmation: Backend validates and persists all messages

Privacy & Security

• Role-Based Access: Only recruiters and developers can participate
• Conversation Isolation: Each conversation is private between two participants
• Authentication Required: Must be logged in to send or receive messages
• Data Encryption: All messages transmitted over secure HTTPS/WSS connections

Unread Count Algorithm

The system smartly tracks unread messages: 1. When a message arrives, the recipient's unread count increments 2. When you open a conversation, all messages in that conversation are marked as read 3. The conversation's unread count resets to zero instantly 4. Total unread count decreases by the conversation's previous count 5. Background sync ensures counts stay accurate across devices

Performance Optimization

• Pagination: Message history loads in chunks (50 messages at a time)
• Lazy Loading: Conversations load on demand as you scroll
• Efficient Syncing: Only changed data refreshes, not entire conversation list
• Local State Management: Fast UI updates before server confirmation

Limitations & Notes

• Text Only: Currently supports text messages (no images or attachments)
• Direct Messages Only: No group chats or broadcast messaging
• Active Sessions: Online status only reflects active browser sessions
• Message Length: Messages limited to 5000 characters
• History Retention: All messages are stored indefinitely (no auto-deletion)

Best Practices

For Recruiters

• Introduce yourself and your company clearly
• Mention which aspect of the candidate's profile caught your attention
• Be specific about the role and opportunity
• Respect response times (not everyone is online 24/7)
• Keep conversations professional and focused

For Developers

• Respond promptly to genuine opportunities
• Ask clarifying questions about role requirements
• Be transparent about your availability and interest level
• Keep tone professional even if declining
• Use the platform to evaluate recruiter credibility

FAQs

Can recruiters see when I'm online? Yes, if you're actively using Profile Analyzer with the messaging interface open, recruiters can see your online status.

Are messages stored permanently? Yes, all message history is preserved. You can scroll back through past conversations anytime.

Can I delete messages? Currently, messages cannot be deleted. This preserves conversation history for both parties.

What happens if I'm offline when a message arrives? The message waits in your inbox. You'll see the unread count when you next log in. Email notifications for new messages are planned for future releases.

Can anyone message me? Only Recruiters can initiate new conversations with Developers. Developers can reply to messages but cannot start new chats. This ensures communication is professional and opportunity-focused.

Is there a mobile app? The messaging interface is web-based and responsive, working on mobile browsers. A dedicated mobile app is on the roadmap.

Can I export my conversation history? Export functionality is planned but not yet available.

Privacy & Data

All messages are:

• Stored securely in encrypted databases
• Only visible to conversation participants
• Never shared with third parties
• Subject to the platform's privacy policy

You maintain full ownership of your conversation content and can request data deletion by contacting support.

Try It Out

Go to Messages →