Julia WeeksSocial media is key in today’s recruiting business. Not only has it allowed us to network with existing or potential clients, but it has also opened the door to how we find our candidates.
There are 3 ways that social media has made business easier for us when it comes to identifying the right candidates.
1. Ease of advertisement
One of my favorite things about social media is the ease of advertisement that it offers to businesses, particularly staffing businesses. No longer do I have to solely count on job boards or newspaper ads!
In the last several years, I have found that I see the largest ROI from social media when it comes to applicants. I attribute this to the fact that many people spend more time on social media than job boards, making it much easier for someone to happen upon and apply to a job description. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have been instrumental in quickly getting the word out about job opportunities. LinkedIn is also helpful if you have a large network and join applicable groups.
Not only does the influx of job applicants get me excited when it comes to social media advertisement, but the fact that I can advertise for FREE is something that I love! Let’s face it, when you are a recruiter with a limited advertising budget, social media is clearly your friend!
2. Access to more referrals
Of course, by using social media in my job advertisement strategy, I am more likely to get the word out to people who may know of someone who would be great for the job.
For example, I have found that candidates I have placed in the past tend to follow me on social media platforms. When they see certain job opportunities, it can trigger them to think of their friend who would be an amazing fit for the job. Since I already have a relationship with placed candidates, they are more likely to send referrals my way via social media.
The likelihood of placed candidates checking my job postings on the boards or on my company website is very slim. Social media offers the opportunity for me to easily share opportunities with my connections.
When it comes to advertising, I have had luck with LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. However, building a strong network is key when planning to advertise for referrals on these platforms.
3. Ability to contact passive candidates
Another amazing way social media has made my life as a recruiter easier is by giving me the opportunity to easily reach out to passive candidates. These are the candidates that I would not find on the job boards; the candidates who would never apply to my job postings or give me a call to see what new opportunities are out there.
LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are all excellent ways to get in contact with those candidates you would not know about you job opportunities if not for social media. Make sure that you are frequently updating your status, joining key groups, and growing your network on each platform in order to be successful.
Image: Twin design/BigStock.com
Spark Hire
