Job Seekers get Boost
Through Twitter and Facebook
A third of employers now use social networking sites to connect with potential recruits meaning it's not what you know but how you promote yourself on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn that counts.
Research by global recruitment consultants Harvey Nash and The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that, in a bid to boost traditional recruitment methods and reach out to a wider pool of talent, social networks are increasingly becoming a mainstream recruitment tool.
Almost a quarter of employers routinely use sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn as part of their recruitment processes. Fifteen per cent said they would miss key new recruits if they didn't tap into social networks.
Matthew Garratt, HR Manager for figleaves.com said: "At figleaves.com social network sites like LinkedIn and Facebook have become absolutely critical in finding new recruits. Not only do they give us access to people who we might not find elsewhere, but they are also an excellent way to understand more about the candidate beyond just their CV."
However, young jobseekers could be missing out on certain opportunities by failing to pick up on this trend. Although 92 per cent of online 18-24 year olds are registered on a social networking site, just one in 10 (12%) stated they currently use these sites to get job leads or make useful career contacts.
Commenting on the potential of social networking in a tough job market, social networking expert, Dan Rutherford, said:
"Employers are increasingly looking for new recruits who have a strong online brand."
"A good place to start is with your Facebook profile. Use it as a personal ad detailing your skills and qualifications. Nobody will see your CV unless you point them in the right direction. You can do this by searching interest groups and joining any that match your skills or experience."
"Twitter is another great way of networking and keeping track of employers that are actively recruiting. Lots of employers post job openings on Twitter and by letting your followers know your employment situation they might be able to pass on job leads that you weren't aware of."
Rob Grimsey, Strategic Development Director of Harvey Nash, said: "While real-world networking and traditional job services remain invaluable, web savvy job seekers should act now to gain the competitive edge as online networking helps jobseekers stay well connected and get career-informed"
Harvey Nash offers the following tips on how job searchers can use their online profile to attract employers:
• If you decide to use Facebook for professional
networking, take a close look at your profile
and decide what you want business contacts or
prospective employers to see - and what you don't!
• Sign-up to Linked-In if you haven't already.
• Track potential employers and recruitment
consultancies on Twitter.
• Don't leave a blank or incomplete profile. A full
profile gives people the best opportunity to get to
know you.
• Post content relevant to your job search but limit the
photos you post.
• Finally, don't limit activity to online social networks.
It's useful to speak to recruitment agencies with
expertise in your local labour market. You can also
view Britain's largest database of job vacancies at:
www.direct.gov.uk/backtowork to see who's
recruiting in your area.
Harvey Nash, a global professional recruitment consultancy and IT outsourcing service provider, is committed to delivering the very best talent and IT solutions to a broad base of international clients. www.harveynash.com
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