According to Deloitte 80% of 18-24 year olds now use social media to look for jobs. As candidates are becoming more skilled using social media, they are learning how best to utilise their social media accounts to look for work, to impress potential employers and connect with hundreds of like-minded people. This means that in order to find the best talent online, you have to be keeping pace not only with social media, but with what candidates are up to online. Luckily, I’ve put together this list of the top 10 ways candidates are using social media to look for work so you can stay one step ahead:
1. LinkedIn
Candidates are using LinkedIn to follow companies they would like to work for, commenting on posts and networking with employees within that company. They are also setting up job alerts that are sent directly to their smartphone’s. So don’t just rely on your own LinkedIn network to find candidates, take a look at your clients too and use any frequent activity on their page to your advantage!
2. Twitter
Candidates are using Twitter to follow prospective employers, look out for any job vacancies and retweet or comment on articles they have posted to show interest and knowledge on that subject. They are also using hashtags to search for specific jobs in their area – so make sure you are too!
3. Facebook
Facebook is still the most popular social media network and for many is used as a source to connect with family and friends and share pictures. Now though, many people are also using it to look for work by connecting with employers through liking their page and joining groups related to their job field and getting involved in discussions.
4. Pinterest
This social network is relatively recent - it was set up in 2010 as a visual discovery tool, and now it is another tool used to help people look for work. Candidates are using it post their CV and using pins to highlight specific skills or experience. It is also used to show off visual images of work they have done allowing them to highlight to potential employers the creativity they have.
5. Instagram
Instagram users are creating professional accounts including a bio of themselves that relates to the industry they want to work in. They are uploading photos of places they have worked or images of related events they have been too, this gives prospective employers they chance to view their skills and the experience they have through pictures.
6. Google+
More and more, Google+ is becoming another popular way for candidates to not only connect with friends and family but to connect with employers. Many candidates now use a specific circle for work so that recruiters can see only what is relevant to them, and other content is hidden from view. They can connect with people who already work in the company they want to work with and interact with them getting advice and information about any vacancies.
7. Blogs
Blogs are a great way to share views and experiences, invite discussion and connect with people. Job seekers can use their blog as a professional network by creating articles that are relevant to the industry they want to work in. These can then be attached as a link on other social media accounts letting potential employers visit a candidate’s blog page and get a good understanding of the candidate and their writing skills. Candidates are also taking advantage of company blogs to interact with employers and companies that they’re interested in.
8. Networking
Social media is a great place to network with people in any industry. It allows job seekers to speak to people from all over the world about furthering their career. By connecting with friends, family, former colleagues and companies through various different sites candidates can share job ads, offer advice on job hunting, comment on postings and share content.
9. Content generation
Content generation is an important part of job hunting through social media. Job seekers know the importance of being active and posting or commenting on others content is a great way to show this. People create their own content through blogs which can then be posted onto other social media accounts so it reaches a wider audience.
10. Research
The majority of businesses are likely to have their own social media pages that candidates can follow or like, which allows them to research the company and gives them the opportunity to speak with those already working there.
In other words, candidates are all over social media – make sure you use it to your advantage!
