Why It Matters
Social media is now a primary source of communication, and is becoming a key player in the recruitment process, for jobseekers and employers alike.
Importance to Job Seekers
‘Half of all job seekers are active on social networking sites on a daily basis’
Source: Forbes.com 2013
🙂 Managed in the right way, social media can be an invaluable tool – allowing you to discover and be discovered.
🙁 But it could also cause you to lose out on opportunities!
Sort your social media profile before you even begin job-hunting, so that it helps rather than harms your chances.
Be Discoverable – Create a Positive Presence
Be Curious – Find Out and Connect
A Key Recruitment Tool for Employers
To search for potential candidates
To screen applicants
Only 4% of recruiters DON’T use social media in the recruiting process
Source: Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey Results 2015 p.3
The network used most by employers is LinkedIn, followed by Facebook & Twitter.
But other platforms often unearth talent, particularly in the creative fields.
For example…
Search for Potential Candidates
After referrals, recruiters find their best candidates through social & professional networks
Source: Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey Results 2015, p.2
Informing jobseekers – Posting job opportunities, publicising professional events and showcasing the company
Seeking out talent – particularly via LinkedIn
Screen Applicants
93% of recruiters will review a candidate’s social media profile before deciding whether to hire them
Source: Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey Results 2014, p. 10
Viewing social media profiles enables recruiters to gauge a candidate’s fit with the company:
Professional Fit – LinkedIn & personal websites. See Professional Profile
Cultural Fit – Facebook, Twitter, Google+ . See Personal Social Profile
55% of employers have rejected an applicant based on their social media profile
Source: Careerbuilder Survey 2014
The most common reasons for rejecting a candidate:
Alcohol or drug habits
Badmouthing a previous employer/employee
Provocative or inappropriate photos
Sexual posts
Spelling & grammar
Foul language or discriminatory comments
Lying about qualifications
A third of recruiters discovered online content that persuaded them to hire a candidate
Source: Careerbuilder Survey 2014
Reasons why a profile conveyed a positive impression:
Appealing personality, well-rounded
Professional image
Good communication skills
Supported qualifications, or included favourable references posted by others
Showed creativity
