For as long as I have been in the recruitment industry we have relied on advertising jobs to attract candidates. I started using social media 6 years ago to help attract talent. I believe the evolution of social recruitment is bringing about a step change in our industry and this will mean recruiters need to change to be as productive as possible. So, are you a recruiter or marketer...hopefully both!!

What makes a recruiter?

• Advertises every job on relevant job boards and pays attention to the content of the advert to make a compelling job advert
• Using all the social media channels available and sharing updates with content like 'I am hiring a... email me on ...'
• Connects with talent on LinkedIn using the connect button with the intention of sending a message once the request is accepted
• Sends carefully written emails and messages on LinkedIn inviting talent to apply for current jobs

In summary, recruiters advertise:

The paid, public, non-personal announcement of a persuasive message by an identified sponsor; the non-personal presentation or promotion by a firm of its products to its existing and potential customers.

What makes a "Recruiter Marketer"?

• Advertises every job as above. "Recruiter Marketers" know to use the full toolkit to find the best talent possible as quickly as possible
• Creates content that is relevant to their candidates and shares on social media. This could be CV writing advice, interview advice or sharing knowledge on their industry
• Curates content from various on-line channels and shares on social media adding comments where possible showing they keep up to date and are interested in industry trends and developments
• Only ever connects with talent on social media once they have spoken in person or by phone. (I never send a connection request to a prospective candidate without building a rapport first)
• Uses personalised InMails on LinkedIn or sends personalised emails to talent making sure to comment on their career/profile or expertise. A Recruiter Marketer may not even mention a job but will write the email focused on the person with an aim to spark a discussion based on their career goals
• Regularly checks in with their talent pool by phone or in person and bases the conversation round the candidate and their career whilst discussing what opportunities there are in the market
• Never misses the opportunity to get a referral

Recruiter Marketers use the full toolkit, attracting people to connect with them by showing their expertise not only in recruitment but also in the industry they recruit for.

Top talent these days choose to connect with recruiters that prove their knowledge and integrity. Most of all top talent connect with people! By simply advertising jobs in a non-personal way will not attract top talent. Top talent does not need to apply for a job as the Recruiter Marketers are already engaging with them and working towards their next big career step.

So are you a Recruiter or Recruiter Marketer? What else do you do to make sure you attract the best talent possible?

Quotes 'curated' from - About Marketing Laura Lake - Marketing Expert