Social media has transformed the way the world communicates, and its influence hasn’t failed to infiltrate the HR industry. Today, recruiters are increasingly turning to social media to identify great candidates, advertise vacancies and background check their short lists. Statistics from Jobvite confirm its sway, with a huge 94% of recruiters using social media to advertise vacancies. Looking for more reasons why social media matters?
StandOutCV reported in January 2023 that 91% of all employers use social media to personally research (aka ‘stalk’) candidates.
They also reported that companies fill 25% of their roles through social media recruitment, and that 91% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source and communicate with candidates.
Millennials love social media, with the Aberdeen Group finding that 73% of 18-34-year-old job seekers tracked down their last job through a social network.
It’s clear that social media plays an integral role in the modern job hunt. So as a candidate, how do you go about putting your best foot forward and making connections that count on social media? Read on for practical tips and advice that will get your social strategy soaring.
Join LinkedIn
If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, your social media networking strategy is seriously lacking. The platform offers a wealth of career focussed tools for professionals, and is far more job focussed than its Facebook and Twitter counterparts. It’s the number one social platform for job seekers.
Track down thought leaders
Don’t mindlessly follow any individual you think is influential. Instead, take the time to connect with thought leaders and actively take note of the topics, trends and concepts that they explore. Follow and connect with people in your industry, and industries you are interested in.
Be dynamic
Even the most impressive of social media profiles amount to nothing unless you take a dynamic and proactive approach to connecting with fellow professionals. As well as following and friending, use social networks to ask questions, share opinions, spark discussions and publish content of your own. Even something as simple as a reshare with an opinion can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
Keep it clean
If you plan on using your social networks as a career building tool it’s important to screen all content. If it isn’t boss appropriate, it doesn’t go live. Keep your personality, but just be cautious – once its online, there is a trail.
Develop a voice
Social media is intrinsically social which means you’re granted leeway when it comes to tone and content. While you should always be relevant and respectful, don’t be scared to adopt a chatty and conversational voice. This will help you connect with fellow social media users on a deeper, more personal level.