Hashtag Hires: Recruiting in the Digital Age
Social media recruitment could be your company’s newest hiring strategy. While HR teams are no strangers to hosting job applications on LinkedIn, using only one channel is a disservice to your recruiting process, especially when competing for talented applicants.
Recent research has revealed that 73% of job seekers between 18-34 found their previous occupation through social media. While this age range includes both Gen Z and Millennials, it’s essential to consider how to attract Gen Z workers, who are set to take up 30% of the workforce come 2030. According to research by Statista, most of Gen Z can be found on Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, meanwhile, LinkedIn is more popular with those in the 30-39 age range. Utilizing these various platforms outside of LinkedIn is critical for growing companies looking to attract the younger generation of workers.
Good Vibes Only: Brand Identity in Recruitment
A proper social media recruitment strategy doesn’t mean posting a job opening and calling it a day, although it may help with awareness. When building a company’s social media presence, recruiters should take note that a rising concern among workers is the brand’s identity. A striking 84% of job seekers say “the reputation of a company as an employer is important,” and 54% of U.S. workers are willing to take a pay cut to work under a company that aligns with their values. Meanwhile, 56% won’t even consider working for a company that clashes with their values.
Serious job applicants also want to learn more about potential employers, and 52% will visit your website and social media pages to do it. With these statistics in mind, HR teams must examine how their brand identity is perceived and if their brand values are visible.
Incorporating a strong, authentic brand identity into your social media recruitment strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential for attracting top talent who align with your company’s values and culture.
Beyond LinkedIn: Best Practices for Social Media Recruiting
- Craft Platform-Specific Content: Tailor your recruitment posts to suit the audience and style of each platform. For example, popular brands on TikTok thrive on authenticity and creativity, so informal and engaging content works best. On Instagram, however, users are attracted to more polished visuals.
- Highlight Company Culture: Tools like Instagram Stories and TikTok are great ways to showcase a day in the life at your company, team events, or behind-the-scenes content. Adding personality to your brand’s image will enhance people’s perception of your company and what it’s like to work there.
- Leverage Hashtags and Trends: By using relevant and trending hashtags (e.g., #NowHiring, #JobSearch), you can increase the visibility of your job posts and reach the right audience. For videos on TikTok, try using trending sounds to get more eyes on your brand’s content and grow a following.
- Encourage Employee Advocacy: Did you know job candidates are three times more likely to trust company employees than the company itself to provide credible information on the work culture? Encourage your current employees to share job openings and their experience at the company on their personal social media accounts.
- Engage in Conversations: Don’t just post and leave—engage with followers by responding to comments and questions. Host Q&A sessions, either for potential job candidates or your company’s target audience to build strong relationships with your audience while enforcing brand values.
Scroll, Engage, Hire: The Winning Formula
Embracing the power of social media beyond LinkedIn is your secret weapon for attracting top talent, especially Gen Z. By creating tailored, engaging content that showcases your unique brand identity, you’ll captivate candidates who align with your company’s values and culture. A dynamic social media recruitment strategy not only amplifies your reach but also positions your brand as the employer everyone wants to work for.
