Guest blogger, and executive recruiting expert, Jolene Risch provides us insight into using social media tools for hiring.
For recruitment agencies, LinkedIn is one of the most direct ways to connect talent with job opportunities. As of November 2014, LinkedIn reported a massive membership of over 323 million people according to this source. And while the industries most frequently represented on LinkedIn are IT services, healthcare, construction, education management, and accounting (according to this source), business professionals across all sectors recognize the need to be visible on LinkedIn. In fact, I recommend that business leaders leverage LinkedIn for contacts and networking, and use the platform to look for strong talent. And I also remind leaders to regularly check their inbox and respond to any qualified job seekers who may have sent a personal message. Often, there’s talent in unassuming places.
Executive search firms mine the valuable data found on LinkedIn to discover talent. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned for maximizing the benefit of LinkedIn, as one of Dallas top professional recruiters.
- Every week, I find passive job candidates in Dallas (those who aren’t actively looking for a new position) by searching LinkedIn using specific keywords. This is why headlines with specific keywords are vital.
- When I find matches, I approach the possible candidates by commenting on their resumes or experience.
- I then invite them to learn about a job opportunity. In most cases, people respond—even if they aren’t actively looking. After all, curiosity is inherent, and ambitious professionals are keen on knowing what possible career-advancing situations are out there.
- If they aren’t interested, I ask them if they know of professionals who might be looking.
LinkedIn gives me a way to source and track talent by virtually introducing me to potential candidates in a way traditional communication can’t match. Social media is another complementary channel for recruiting, and understanding how to maneuver the possibilities is both art and science. As LinkedIn’s membership grows, businesses evolve—and so do the opportunities for finding strong talent for your organization.
Risch Results is one of Dallas’ top executive search firms for executive management, manufacturing, and financial services talent and supporting partner of marketburst. Learn more at www.RischResults.com or 972.839.9447.
