Social Media is no longer the newest, brightest toy for recruiters but has remained a constant, and become more and more prevalent by the year. Traditional methods of attracting top talent are still effective, but can’t replace the power of social media. Clicks, likes, shares, and engagement. That’s where you see effective results.
We’ll be exploring the utilization of social media to attract candidates and draw in prospects at the top of their game. Whether you’re a recruiter who has been around the block and is unsure of new technology, a human resources professional on the lookout for qualified workers, or a marketer looking to streamline the recruitment process, it’s time to uncover some of the top tips for effectively using social media for employee recruitment.
Defining Your Target Audience
When it comes to getting the most out of your social media efforts, the foundation of your strategy depends on accurately defining your target audience. This goes beyond just listing job requirements, but taking stock of the soft skills, technical skills, qualities, experiences, and certifications required to operate at the highest level in every given role.
A study released by CNBC showed that the majority of companies (76%) are using skills-based hiring to fill open roles. By identifying the criteria that make up an ideal candidate, you create a blueprint for who you’re looking for. Now you can craft personalized, tailored messaging that will resonate and spark interest in potential candidates.
Selecting the Appropriate Platforms:
Just like any other form of marketing, social media strategies aren’t one-size-fits-all. Not all platforms are created equal and they aren’t all designed with the same intent. When it comes to employee recruitment, employers and job-seekers tend to gravitate to LinkedIn, which is no surprise as it’s set up as a professional networking platform. A recent study they published shows just how extensively the platform is used by professionals:
- 91% of all employers are using social media as part of their hiring process
- 79% of job seekers have used social media in their job search in the last year
- 40 million people search LinkedIn for jobs every week
While LinkedIn may be a juggernaut in the space, you don’t want to overlook the various other platforms available such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and more. All of these can be effective for showcasing your company’s culture, values, and even open positions. Once you’ve defined your target audiences, you can segment your messaging based on your different personas, and allocate resources to the platforms which produce the best results for those personas. It all comes down to aligning with the preferences and demographics of your audience(s).
Posting Engaging Content:
Social media isn’t just about posting job openings, it’s a platform to humanize your company. Engaging content that provides value to your audience while highlighting your company’s identity is paramount. A study found that 84% of job seekers consider an employer’s reputation when applying for a job, underscoring the importance of portraying your company positively.
Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, employee success stories, and even challenges your team has overcome. Involving your team in the content creation process will help to convey your brand authentically. Through split testing, you can uncover which types of posts generate the most engagement, helping you refine your content strategy over time.
Engage With Potential Candidates:
Engagement on social media is a two-way street. Actively responding to comments, and messages, and engaging with potential candidates’ content showcases your company’s genuine interest in building relationships. A study conducted by LinkedIn revealed that 73% of job seekers want to know about company culture, making it an ideal topic to engage on. Consider hosting Q&A sessions, virtual office tours, or even interactive challenges to encourage participation. Additionally, by liking, sharing, and commenting on candidates’ posts, you demonstrate your investment in them as individuals. These types of engagements can set you apart as a forward-thinking employer.
Conclusion:
In the modern landscape of recruitment, social media has transformed into a powerful tool to attract top talent. By defining your audience, selecting the right platforms, posting engaging content, and actively engaging with potential candidates, you’re not only filling positions but also cultivating a community of prospective employees who resonate with your company’s mission and values. Remember, effective social media recruitment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach – it’s a dynamic strategy that requires constant evaluation and adaptation. We hope that this is helpful as you set out to create the most successful team possible.
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