Research coming out of the US suggested Social Recruiting, the practice of using social media or networks to recruit staff, is gaining grounds. A study by Jobvite found that 68% of respondents use social networks or media to support their recruitment efforts. More telling is the finding that 66% successfully hired a candidate through an online social network.

There is no doubt that social networks provide ample opportunities to source talent, at the same time there are still many unknowns (How do one measure effectiveness; can social networks be a steady source of talent; what are the consequences of not using social media;  what is the story in Australia?).  However, one have a strong sense that we are witnessing a shift, if not in sourcing methodologies but the way we communicate and interact with potential candidates. Have a look at the report (registration required), our industry is changing rapidly.

The vast majority (81%) of Internet users across the globe used search engines.

Online behaviour in Australia is similar. Each month close to 2.3 million searches, with the keyword ‘jobs’, are performed on Google. In other words, your employment brand is oblivious to the world, unless you are listed on the top of search results.  Obviously, SEO becomes increasingly important. 

How do you incorporate search engines into your recruitment strategy? This whitepaper by Jobvite is a good start.