Is There A Future For Social Network Recruitment?

Nov. 16, 2010 - PRLog -- The rising trend of social network recruitment is becoming firmly established within the marketing strategies of job sites and recruiters, who now believe it is a highly practical method of targeting relevant job seekers. Yet it appears that candidates do not perceive social networks as a highly viable means of applying for vacancies.

A survey conducted by CV-Library indicates job sites remain the top choice for candidates when applying for job vacancies. The survey questioned 650 candidates, which has shown that 53% of candidates prefer to search and apply for a vacancy directly through recognised job sites, followed by a job board service such as 'Jobs-by-Email' (25%), straight to recruitment agencies (12%), mobile phone apps (9%) and social networking critically trailing behind with 1% of the votes. These results indicate that social networks are failing to drive candidates through to the job search facilities. Privacy concerns, inexperience and ambiguous adverts often lead to job vacancy confusion throughout social network recruitment, reducing candidate’s confidence in using these application channels.

Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have failed to replace traditional methods of job searching. Nevertheless, it appears sites such as LinkedIn and Xing are becoming increasingly powerful networking sites. LinkedIn have recognised the potential of recruitment through business networks with the launch of the new ‘LinkedIn Talent Advantage’.

Lee Biggins, Managing Director "We have always been cautious when using social networks, as they provide untargeted candidate platforms. Nevertheless, it can be used as an effective traffic driver and method of PR communication."

Social network recruitment is increasing its global popularity, yet it would seem the active candidate is likely to go straight to a recruitment agency or job site. Therefore, social networking sites will either need to secure, adapt and refine their service, or remain a passing fad.

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Notes to Editors: CV-Library Ltd
Founded in September 2000 by Directors Lee Biggins and Brian Wakem, CV-Library has over 3 million CVs in over 70 industry sectors. The site has approximately 2,500 clients, 46,000 live vacancies and over 620,000 monthly job applications.