3 Social Media Trends for 2015 that Recruiters Need to Know

As the world continues to be obsessed with technology, the internet, and social networking, it is only logical that regardless of your industry or occupation, there is something to be found that would be of benefit to you or your company, especially if you own an independent recruitment firm and handle the advertising and marketing yourself. Recruiters can see how platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook or Twitter have now engulfed more and more users in their self-promotion tactics, allowing firms to build a following of candidates or clients or business resources to stay on top of the ever changing space we live in today. For those not able to keep up with each trend, here are the top three trends I suggest for recruiters to keep an eye out for, and get your firm involved with.

1. LinkedIn is #1 in terms of the candidates recruiters and clients want. According to Business Insider, LinkedIn has now surpassed Twitter in popularity among US adults. The core demographic of these adults is what is the most important. They are well educated, with an age range of 30 to 49 and are in the prime of their career. With the continued growth of advertising on this social networking site now also encompassing B2C, recruiters can expect even those who are not actively seeking new employment to be utilizing the tools LinkedIn offers, making it easier to interact with those star candidates that you are able to locate. Investing more time in understanding what this can do for your firm will be a profitable return.
2. Picture and video content will dominate all networks this year. According to Cisco, by 2018, 80% of all consumer internet traffic will consist of video. As technology advances, people are getting less and less patient and demanding quick and informative media that is to the point. Brands and companies understand this importance and are moving from lengthy text to video social media content. With smartphones and tablets able to quickly produce this content, it is a great way to get in front of the audience you want. As a recruiter, make videos of client testimonials, or candidate interview tips, or even just introduce yourself and get it in front of important viewers. Rather than reading all of your credentials on your website, clients and candidates will gain a more personal connection to you and your firm.
3. Stop simply relying on a sales pitch to build business this year. Now, read tips 1 and 2 again, and remember that sentence. Social media is not a way to constantly try and sell your brand or firm or talent, it is about gaining trust and respect and credibility based on the content you put in front of them. Content that is easy to relate to, informative, and even entertaining will have the most impact, and serve as a tool for business development. A common trend I see with firms and recruiters on social media is the outpouring of posts simply stating the job they are hiring for over and over again. While I am sure this does grab at some candidates to apply, or clients to relate, it is not doing much in terms of social media strength to grow your brand. Following more of a pattern of informative blog posts, then a job, then perhaps a video or funny photo infographic regarding job searching will have a greater chance of developing a following.

Use these quick tips and launch a strong presence online in 2015 before you are left behind.

Re-confirm your email subscription using the button below!