4 Myths of Social Media Recruiting

Greetings!

Hiring targeted professionals through social media is the new hot thing. Until you actually try to do it. Read on for the pros and cons of social media recruiting.

- Ann Clifford, President

Dos & Don'ts

Can you post on Facebook that you are looking for a stay at home mom to work part-time?

(Answer provided at the end of the newsletter.)

Four Ways Social Media Enhances Recruiting

Social media is an integral part of marketing strategies. Since recruiting is a sales and marketing function, it is natural that social media has infiltrated recruiting strategies. According to CareerBuilder, when used correctly as part of an overall recruiting strategy, social media reap the following benefits:

Increased resume flow
Shorter time to hire
Better candidate quality
More diverse talent pool

While social media augments your recruiting strategy; it is not "the" strategy. Social media drives traffic to your career site or job postings, yet you still need an effective recruiting process to convert casual lookers into serious candidates.

Four Myths of Social Media Recruiting (SMR)

Myth #1 SMR is replacing job boards.

Fact: Have you noticed that LinkedIn is now a major job board? Job boards and career sites are still the foundation of online recruiting.

Myth #2 SMR makes hiring easier.

Fact: SMR campaigns require strategy and significant investment of time.

Myth #3: SMR is an inexpensive way to hire.

Fact: Ok, maybe, but only if you don't value your time.

Myth #4: SMR easily targets passive candidates.

Fact: SMR targets communities. It's up to you to sift through the maze.

Safari Interview Tip

Ask candidates, "How do you use social media in your professional world?" Technology aptitude and behavioral & communication style can easily be revealed. Heavy users are generally social with technology savvy.

Answer to Today's Dos & Don'ts

"Can you post on Facebook that you are looking for a stay at home mom to work part-time?"

Although not technically illegal to use the term "stay at home mom," the term may be interpreted as meaning "young." And "young" could be interpreted as excluding men and women over 40, which is a protected class under the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. Best not to use terms that could be construed as discriminatory in your social media postings.