The Ultimate Guide to Optimising Social Media as a Recruitment Tool
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 6:37 am
No business can afford to overlook the potential of social media when it comes to recruitment. Almost half (48%) of candidates have used social media when searching for their most recent job, and 59% use social media to investigate companies that have captured their attention.
However, as with traditional recruitment, you need to plan your strategy before trying to attract candidates online.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you start building a social media presence:
Who are you trying to reach, and how will you reach them?
LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are currently the most popular social media platforms for recruiters. Building your reputation across all major platforms will maximize outreach.
However, some platforms offer additional benefits. For instance, LinkedIn allows kazakhstan phone number resource you to hone in on well-qualified, experienced candidates. Instagram emphasizes photos and videos, so is a good choice for creative industries. Joining and posting to Facebook Groups can be an effective way to connect with candidates interested in your niche.
Aside from the obvious social media platforms, find the forums and networks in your niche. For instance, if you need to hire developers, look on GitHub for candidates with strong portfolios.
How will you communicate your brand?
Candidates do not want to work for a company just for a salary, increasingly, they want to get a sense of an employer’s story and values before making an application. Businesses that publish biographies with a human touch are more attractive. Make sure that your company profiles are up-to-date and communicate your vision.
Don’t be afraid to show some personality on social media. Photos and videos that give an insight into the day-to-day activities of your business will engage candidates. For example, you could publish videos featuring short interviews with existing employees.
Use images and vocabulary that resonates with your target demographic. For instance, if you are looking to recruit recent graduates, a youthful, energetic aesthetic would appropriate. If you are trying to attract well-established professionals, a more conservative approach may be preferable.
Social media isn’t a one-way street. Interact with your followers. For instance, if they ask a question, respond in a timely manner. Even if they make a negative comment, you can use the situation to your advantage. Give an honest, humble answer and thank them for their input.
However, as with traditional recruitment, you need to plan your strategy before trying to attract candidates online.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before you start building a social media presence:
Who are you trying to reach, and how will you reach them?
LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are currently the most popular social media platforms for recruiters. Building your reputation across all major platforms will maximize outreach.
However, some platforms offer additional benefits. For instance, LinkedIn allows kazakhstan phone number resource you to hone in on well-qualified, experienced candidates. Instagram emphasizes photos and videos, so is a good choice for creative industries. Joining and posting to Facebook Groups can be an effective way to connect with candidates interested in your niche.
Aside from the obvious social media platforms, find the forums and networks in your niche. For instance, if you need to hire developers, look on GitHub for candidates with strong portfolios.
How will you communicate your brand?
Candidates do not want to work for a company just for a salary, increasingly, they want to get a sense of an employer’s story and values before making an application. Businesses that publish biographies with a human touch are more attractive. Make sure that your company profiles are up-to-date and communicate your vision.
Don’t be afraid to show some personality on social media. Photos and videos that give an insight into the day-to-day activities of your business will engage candidates. For example, you could publish videos featuring short interviews with existing employees.
Use images and vocabulary that resonates with your target demographic. For instance, if you are looking to recruit recent graduates, a youthful, energetic aesthetic would appropriate. If you are trying to attract well-established professionals, a more conservative approach may be preferable.
Social media isn’t a one-way street. Interact with your followers. For instance, if they ask a question, respond in a timely manner. Even if they make a negative comment, you can use the situation to your advantage. Give an honest, humble answer and thank them for their input.