As the social media trend continues to rise, an increasing number or organizations are using social networks throughout the entire hiring process–from posting job openings to recruiting and training employees. Employers have come to realize that it has become an essential outlet for finding candidates who will be the next generation of leaders in the organization, and candidates with talent and sought after skills know that social media is becoming an effective way to gain visibility with prospective employers.
Here’s how social media can be used to a company’s advantage.

Communicate and Promote

Social media allows companies to target top talent in real-time. Open positions and company updates posted through social networks gain a significant amount of exposure from passive and active candidates that are already interested and connected with the brand. This allows the candidate to apply or respond in a very short amount of time when compared to traditional recruiting methods.
Companies can promote and build their brand on social networks by posting accomplishments and relevant content while positioning their business as a great place to work. In an article from TIME titled How Recruiters Use Social Networks to Make Hiring Decisions Now, Dan Schawbel writes:

“Companies such as Ernst & Young and Sodexo are building employer brands on social networks to position themselves as the best place to work and to interact with potential candidates.”

Recruit and Refer

A survey released by Jobvite revealed that 92% of employers are planning to use social networks for recruiting this year; it is apparent that it has become an essential part of the hiring process. In addition to communicating with top talent, social networks are providing opportunities for targeted recruiting. Schawbel explains:

“LinkedIn Recruiter allows recruiters to reach passive candidates by expanding the reach of their personal networks, contact candidates directly, and manage a pipeline of talent.”

Additionally, LinkedIn and other social networks can be used by personal contacts and active employees of the company to easily make referrals. Since active employees already understand the company culture, organizational structure, and unique needs of the business, they are likely to refer candidates who can grow and thrive in the organization.

Check and Hire

Candidates now have the advantage of enhancing their candidacy on their social networks by posting infographics, videos and blogs. This is a significant advantage for companies who can get a snapshot of that candidate, get a sense of their writing & communication skills, professionalism, and how they conduct themselves in public. This transparency through social networks also allows for employers to find and select more creative hires.
In an article from Huffpost Small Business titled How Social Media Can Be Good For Employment, Sajjad Masud states:

“Unlike the traditional bullet-point resume, these new creative application techniques are opening a window into your company’s future. In today’s idea-driven economy, enterprise recruiting cannot afford to overlook the value creative hires bring to the table”

Train

With over 90% of companies using social media to recruit and hire, the expectation will increase that social tools will be incorporated into all aspects of an employee’s career, including training.
In response to this trend, The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) has introduced the Social Media for Learning Certificate Program, a 2-day program focused on using instructional design and social media to enhance the learning experience.

Is your company using social media throughout the hiring process in your company?

 
Sources: