Recruiting via Social Networks on the Rise

Employers and recruiters are using social networks – online and offline - more than ever before, according to the second annual 2009 Jobvite Social Recruitment Survey.

Here is how employers are using social networks to recruit:

• 80% use or are planning to use social networking to source candidates
• 77% use social networks to find passive candidates (not actively seeking employment)
• 76% plan to invest more in employee referrals
• 46% will spend more on social networking
• 36% will spend less on job boards

Why has social networking become a contender in the recruitment process? Two simple reasons: better quality candidates and lower cost to the employer or recruiter. Dan Finnigan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jobvite, says, “The economy has spurred a fundamental change in how recruiters find candidates and how people find jobs. The good news is that referrals and social networks provide a high quality, low cost way to hire and for that reason social recruitment will continue to grow even as the economy improves.”

Recruitment via professional online networks, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter shows continued growth:

• LinkedIn use for recruitment grew from 80% in 2008 to 95% in 2009
• Facebook recruitment surged from 36% n 2008 to 59% in 2009
• Twitter use for sourcing candidates ranked third at 42%

In addition, to sourcing candidates via social networks, employers use them to research candidates prior to an interview: LinkedIn (76%), search engines (67%), Facebook (44%), and Twitter (21%). Savvy candidates are aware that they will be scrutinized before getting the nod for an interview. The Jobvite survey reports that 24% of candidates make their social online presence known to the employer when applying for a job.

Can you be found online via a Google search or on LinkedIn? Is your online identity clear, clean, and compelling? For tips on how to immediately boost your online presence, check out two of my previous posts:

• Online Identity Management: Get Found!
• Upgrade Your Bare-bones LinkedIn Profile

For a full copy of the 2009 Jobvite Social Recruitment Survey, go to http://web.jobvite.com/2009-social-recruitment-survey.html

Comments

[twitter.com/theresumechick]

Great stats, Susan! Hopefully more job seekers will see the value of social networks in their job search and maximize their capabilities to the fullest. On the flip side it's great that HR practitioners, recruiters and other decision makers are finding success in this medium, which will only grow over time.

Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter if you need me)

[Susan Guarneri]

Hi Karen - Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I agree - more job seekers do need to use social networks to maximize their job search results. This is a trend that is not going away as it is high ROI for employers and recruiters. Let's spread the word!