It would be more accurate to say Social Media has enhanced how companies hire employees. The same basic elements of recruiting are still in place; job boards and ads to reach the active job seeker; social networking and professional organizations to reach the more passive candidate. Just as computers and emails have expedited the flow of information in our lives, the typical Social Media avenues, Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter and Plaxo as examples, are another avenue for researching and meeting prospective candidates. Social Media is a tool that supports one of the basic rules of business; people prefer to do business with those they know and trust. It allows individuals another opportunity to begin building those relationships. Companies are able to search, and link to, possible candidates. Candidates are able to research and understand the impression others have of an organization. Ads can be placed in niche groups to target specific audiences possessing the skills being sought. Yes, a company can still recruit without using the Social Media, but there is a definite disadvantage to NOT include the Social Media in a company’s Recruiting Strategy.
Harold Mikels -Delivery Manager-
Tags: Facebook, job searches, LinkedIn, Social Media, social networking, Twitter
October 28, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I definitely agree that social networking gives businesses an opportunity to learn more about potential hires, and vice versa. I also wonder, though, how much the internet makes it more difficult for individuals to control the information that is available about them online, and how much this information can help or hurt their images with potential employers. Perhaps this is another topic!