As the influx of social media permeates nearly every aspect of life including job prospects and career, companies are incorporating it in their recruitment for projects that require bringing in new employees. Doing so not only saves time and costs, but it also allows project managers to better gauge the candidates and pick the best team members. More and more job seekers realize that social media can help people get a job faster. Couple that fact with the volume of netizens using social media as an extension of themselves and you have the perfect recipe for scouring the Web for top notch employees. With that, here are seven ways that social media can help you find colleagues that will turn your project into success.
Screen Candidates Based On Online Decency
How a person presents himself in a job interview is different from whenever he is in his natural state. And so, a candidate’s online image can reflect who he is as he freely expresses himself on Facebook, Twitter, and other online platforms. You can immediately weed out those who lied about their qualifications, posted inappropriate comments and photos, and shared posts pertaining to drug and/or alcohol use. These are the red-flag signs that employers should watch out for, leaving you with people who use to their advantage the fact that their posts can affect their job search.
Pick Team Members Who Think Outside The Box
Social media are a great avenue for career hopefuls to showcase what they've got. Merely uploading résumés and CVs is passé; with technology and the job market getting more competitive by the minute, look for resourceful and creative applicants who maximize the possibilities of technology. Building networks, doing a video résumé, and using infographics — these are just some of the ways of ingenious job seekers showing off their wares to stand out in the sea of applicants.
Quickly Find Team Leads In Your Project
Another good thing about social networking sites is it captures the credibility and popularity of a person. Hover over your candidates’ profiles: do they command a sizable number of people interested in what they have to say? Ample figures like their followers on Twitter, circles in Google+, and the like make a person a leader in the social media sphere.
Now, think: these people would not rise above the rest if they did not have what it takes -- articulating follow-worthy thoughts, dealing with different kinds of people, online bashers included, staying up-to-date with online trends, and so on.
They will be able to apply their skills especially when entrusted to take on project management. The communication skills and ingenuity that they have, guided by your company's objectives that need to be achieved with the smartest use of resources, will work to your advantage once they are on board with your company.
A Specialized Search Leads To Specialized Results
It is a no-brainer to look for specific people in the (virtual) places where they belong. Make full use of niche sites. The tech-savvy engineers flock to GitHub, designers to Dribbble, and accountants to Proformative, just to name a few. Such online hang-out places serve as convenient and efficient venues for professionals to advertise themselves, make connections among like-minded fellows, and keep abreast of industry trends.
Also, tap into young blood by getting in touch with universities who will post about your company’s need for employees. It works wonders in three ways. First, you will benefit from the virtual and non-virtual word of mouth that will circulate after you announce your vacancy. Second, you will get publicity not only during your hiring season but also when internship period comes around the corner. Third, you can attract superbly qualified applicants, especially if you source from the best universities.
Target People Who Stay Updated To Get Ahead
As mentioned earlier, online niche sites are a great place for like-minded people to come together. Now, expect that there will be some of them who are already employed and just need to be updated of the latest news in their respective fields. Open to constant learning, these individuals are the career-driven pack, a great addition to your team should they jump ship.