In recent years, social recruiting has become a widespread practice among companies looking to attract the highest quality employees for the most competitive positions in their respective industries. Social recruiting uses social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to post open positions and interact with prospective hires. Companies that put an emphasis on social recruiting understand that great employees often come from unexpected sources and can establish an innovative and cutting-edge work culture. Whether through digital advertising, conducting virtual interviews, using hashtags to target niche audiences, or even hosting virtual events, employers seek to gain an edge by leveraging specialty platforms to recruit the best talent. Here are five creative strategies for social recruiting that employers should consider.
1. Target Different Demographics on Different Platforms
Most businesses know that the most popular social media platforms are Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. However, they may not be aware of the distinct advantages of using each platform to target different demographics when trying to build up their applicant pool. For example, LinkedIn is often considered the go-to platform for professionals looking to showcase their experience and get noticed by recruiters. At the same time, Facebook provides employers with the opportunity to target a much broader demographic with flexible targeting options for audiences based on location, demographics, and interests.
2. Utilize Paid Ads
Setting up paid ads on social media platforms can help employers reach the broadest possible audience and drive interest in open positions. Paid ads can include various elements, including personalized messages that focus on the organization’s culture and values, detailed job postings, and visuals from the company’s office or other tangible benefits to entice job seekers. Paid ads can also take advantage of specialized channels or interests, enabling employers to target desirable candidates who share profiles with the company’s desired demographic.
3. Conduct Virtual Interviews
As technology progresses, virtual interviews have become a popular tool for social recruiting. Employers can leverage various platforms to conduct these interviews, such as Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and others, to streamline their recruiting process. This allows companies to offer a simplified and stress-free virtual experience for their prospective hires, which often leads to a more comfortable and fruitful interaction.
4. Utilize Hashtags
Hashtags can be an effective tool for targeting relevant candidates on social media. By using specific hashtags, employers can narrow down their potential pool of applicants to individuals who are passionate and actively interested in the industry or job. Employers can also use hashtags to interact with applicants on a more personal level and encourage conversation, as well as share helpful job-seeking advice that can attract the right people to their company.
5. Host Virtual Events
One of the most creative strategies for social recruiting is to host a virtual event, such as a webinar or live chat, in which potential applicants can learn more about the company. This allows employers to showcase their office environment and culture, share stories from employees, and answer questions from attendees. Additionally, virtual events can also be a great way to create lasting relationships and engage with potential hires in a social setting.
Social recruiting can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to attract and motivate the best job seekers in their industry. By utilizing the abovementioned strategies, employers can set their organizations apart from the competition and establish themselves as go-to employers for top talent.