5 Reasons Candidates Want Recruiters Using Social Media

One of our clients was reading through our social recruiting blogs this month, which lead to a discussion on the topic during a check in call. We went back and forth on the benefits and best practices for recruiters, and then spent some time talking about why candidates are in favor of companies using social media for recruiting. While it might be obvious, some things just need to be said.

Here are the top 5 reasons candidates want recruiters on social media:

1. Easy Access: While it may not be every recruiter’s dream, the 24/7 availability that social media provides is a big win for candidates. They can drop in a question via social before and/or after the interview if they aren’t feeling like the old phone or email will get the job done.

2. Research & Preparation: Smarter candidate know that they should spend ample time researching the company and the hiring team. Reading through company and recruiter social updates is one heck of a way to prepare and take research one step further.

3. First Dibs on Future Openings: Maybe the candidate isn’t a perfect fit at the moment, but they will receive updates on other jobs that open through social channels.

4. Proves You’re “With It”: Candidates want to work with a forward thinking organization. Sadly, the companies and recruiters that aren’t on social media may as well be non-existent.

5. A Deeper Look: If a candidate is excited a company is using social media, then obviously that person is a user of the technology as well. Smarter candidates and job seekers have created interesting social media “hire me” campaigns and online portfolios that will be easy to show and provide a more in depth look into who they are and what they bring to the table.

Originally posted at http://www.asyncinterview.com/5-reasons-candidates-want-recruiters-...

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Comment by IT Recruitment on January 11, 2013 at 2:08pm: The rise in social recruiting has allowed both candidates and employers an easier way to find the best match. Social recruiting is more efficient than the days of sifting through a haystack of resumes. It also increases quality referral hires especially for IT recruitment.

Comment by Rajpreet on January 21, 2013 at 5:23pm: I definitely agree with #2 about research and preparation. When I've had interviews in the past, the first thing I do is look for them on LinkedIn and then Facebook. Looking at the company's tone, article selection, pictures and following shows me a lot about that company's brand and status. In these media outlets, I'll be able to find news about the company all in one place. Googling is a good way to prepare, but if the articles have been selected for their media outlets, you know they are worth attention.

Beyond helping candidates prepare, I think social media is a fantastic way for recruiters to be omniscient. Clearly social media is huge right now, and being present will help you keep an ear to what candidates are thinking. Being where they are is beneficial, and they'll appreciate additional ways to reach out. Candidates want instant feedback and communication, their interviewing process should be the same. Candidates who want recruiters to use social media also would like online interviewing which provides faster responses and feedback. There are so many great voice, written and video interviewing tools for candidates and recruiters alike. I think 2013 is a year for companies to realize this.

Comment by Christopher Young on January 21, 2013 at 7:24pm: Rajpreet - great comments! I think a lot can be said when a candidate goes on LinkedIn only to find no one from recruitment, or worse, the company is on LinkedIn. Having an online personality is extremely important, in my opinion. One of the best examples I've seen is Marvin Smith @MarvinESmith

Comment by Amy McDonald on January 23, 2013 at 12:10am: Great article. I am writing a series on social recruiting. I've included some very basic info on how a new user can get started. My last blog post has received a few comments from the group that suggest that social media does not benefit a recruiter. I disagree. I think the points you have included in this post are exactly why it is important and will continue to be critical to a recruiter's business. I think that understanding HOW to use these tools are why some recruiters are more successful than others.

Comment by Christopher Young on January 23, 2013 at 7:52am: Great points. LinkedIn had a piece on their top 2% of recruiters (an elite LinkedIn group of recruiters) which shared best practices on HOW to use LinkedIn. We need more of that!

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