I have had the pleasure of sitting down with many recruitment companies over the last few months, to talk to them about how best to use social media in their businesses. What has been refreshing (compared to this time last year, for example), is many of them have now realised that using social media in recruitment actually does take commitment and time investment, to make it successful. [Note: I didn't say all - some even still think it is free and is easy peasy!]
Something else that has been interesting is the fact that people think there is an 'out of the box' solution for them that they can just plug into their business, and *bingo* they are 'doing' social media! The fact is, every single company is different. They have different goals, objectives, audiences, people, strategies etc etc
A successful social recruiting strategy can only work if you integrate it into both the objectives and goals of the business, AND integrate it with the technologies and working practices of the recruiters/consultants.
This got me thinking.............
What are some of the other common mis-conceptions that I regularly have to 'clarify' when talking to people about using social media for recruiting? Here are ten of the most common:
- Just having a LinkedIn profile doesn't mean you are actually using it for recruitment. How many 1st degree connections do you have? 100% profile? Status updates? Company status updates? Using signal to track people and opportunities?
- A Facebook page where you just post your jobs and have 24 fans is definitely NOT social recruiting! Use the wall for interesting and engaging content - videos, photos and comment; put your jobs on a separate tab using applications such as Broadbean or Work4Labs.
- You don't have to be on all the 'main' social networks. Actually understand where your social media audience is. Just because everyone else uses certain social networks, doesn't mean you have to - especially if your target candidates are not on there.
- Don't expect instant gratification via social media. This is a longer term strategy, integrated with all parts of your business. It requires consistent work, involvement and commitment to make it a success. Of course there are ways to manage your time effectively, but it still needs managing.
- Candidates will not subscribe to, follow, 'like', friend or connect with your company just because you set up social media sites. Yes they may want a job, but more importantly there needs to be a reason for them to subscribe to, follow, 'like', friend or connect with you. That usually means interesting and engaging content that resonates with them.
- Just because the company pitching for your business say they do social, doesn't mean they do. There are many 'agencies' currently badging themselves as digital, social media agencies who don't actually do it themselves! [This is a fact - I have met with a good few!!] The solution is simple - if they don't actually practice it themselves, with a good active blog, Facebook Page, LinkedIn profiles or Twitter accounts - all with reasonable subscribers, fans, followers, activity and engagement, then questions need to be asked!
- People actually need to see and find your social media presence. Don't make the mistake of putting tiny logo's at the bottom of your website - they need to be well above the fold of your website AND prominent - and (this is going to sound so obvious, but it so often wrong) make sure you link them to the right social websites!
- No it is most definitely NOT FREE. Some platforms may be free, but time and people resource isn't - even it is your internal workforce. Do I need to make this more obvious?
- Stop blocking social media access for your employees - do you really think they don't go on Facebook and Twitter during the day? iPhones, Blackberries and Android smart phones have seen to that! Yes have some rules and guidance, but realise social media can HELP them find more potential candidates for your business.
- No, social media is not a fad. You can no longer ignore it - it is now firmly entrenched in our society, both work and play. Learn to embrace it........ and very soon!
For some of you, these may sound very obvious, but they crop up every single day. It is more simply because people don't know than anything else.
If you have any that you come across every day, then please share them in the comments below - it is always good to hear what people's social media perceptions are when it comes to recruitment.
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