Transforming the Traditional Job Search
By: Jay Osterholm, Founder and CEO of The ODM Group
Yesterday the Internet was abuzz with rumors of a Facebook job board, which will aggregate job postings for Facebook users to search. This new job board will likely cause changes in the job-recruitment market, as well as extreme competition among social networks, particularly LinkedIn.
Facebook’s jump into this market was anticipated, as we have long been discussing the need for job prospects to maintain a professional presence in the social space (link to Job Search 101 blog). However, recent research shows that recruiters are adjusting their practices, utilizing social networks for the majority of their recruitment efforts, and possibly eradicating the need for a traditional paper resume as a leader for procuring job opportunities.
A new study by Jobvite found that the 92% of U.S. companies used social networks to find talent in 2012, up from 78% five years ago. Additionally, the study found that 66% of companies now recruit through Facebook and 54% use Twitter. Perhaps more importantly, the study also found that employers scrutinize social media activity, noting more than half of respondents would have a negative reaction to seeing a spelling or grammar mistake in a social profile. More and more, it is looking like the old-fashioned resume could be obsolete.
Think about it. We live in a world consumed by mobile devices – laptops, tablets, smartphones – meaning access to information is easier than ever. A simple email attachment describing your accomplishments is no longer enough. Hiring managers can browse your LinkedIn and Facebook profiles, Google your name, and find out an endless amount of information about you all in one sitting.
So what does this mean? Well for starters, it is more important than ever for applicants to monitor their social media profiles and view them as an extension of their portfolio and professional persona. Applicants need to remember to use privacy settings wisely and post content selectively, so that these channels can assist them in finding career opportunities.
Employers should utilize this data as well, to build the most talented and effective workforce possible. Before hiring, HR managers can scan these outlets and discover applicants social media personality.
Lastly, get ready for a bumpy ride, as these changes are just the beginning. As Facebook continues to explore the social recruitment market, we can expect to see greater additions to their job board in terms of functionality, which will continue to force competition among the key social media players.
