According to the second annual Social Recruitment Survey conducted by Jobvite, (via Career Management Alliance), employers are recruiting several ways: employee referrals, professional online networks, social networks such as Facebook and Twitter; and the traditional sources, including search firms and job boards. The survey clearly shows a preference based on the quality of candidates and cost-effectiveness for employee referrals and professional social networks, to recruit candidates. Some highlights of the report:
• 76% plan to invest more in employee referrals and 72% plan to invest more in recruiting through social networks
• 80% of companies use or are planning to use social networking to find and attract candidates this year
• 77% of respondents said they use social networks to reach passive candidates who are not actively seeking employment
• 24% of candidates disclose their social networking presence when applying for a job.
Use of Social Networks:
• LinkedIn use grew from 80 percent in 2008 to 95 percent of respondents in 2009 and Facebook use grew from 36 percent in 2008 to 59 percent in 2009
• Twitter, ranked third with 42 percent of recruiters using the tool to source candidates
• 66% of respondents reported that they had successfully hired a candidate who was identified or introduced through an online social network
It is a reality that most of the job vacancies are never posted in journals, newspapers or on-line and you only find them using your personal or business contacts – your “Network”. Finding a job is all about people you know and people you meet who have the information you need to get a job in this hidden job market.
The question is how to build up this network… I am still convinced that the “old” way like attending job fares, calling old colleges or companies is still the best way to build up a powerful network.
Don’t get me wrong, LinkedIn and other social media websites are great tools, but they are just tools and should not replace picking up the phone and calling prospective employers or going to see them in person. Isn’t it much better to have the guts to call a company looking for employment? This really shows initiative and helps to build a personal relationship. At least, I would take the person who called over the person who sent an electronic resume and never followed up.